Are we getting value for money?

MRS Hicks' letter (December 6) exposes the tip of an iceberg, and there are no doubt other stories that could be told.

For example, West Devon Borough Council considers it reasonable to expect seven householders in our unlit cul-de-sac to carry their bins for distances of up to 330 yards to the 'collection point' at the end of the lanes after 5.30pm on the eve of collection day.

(At the same time the council expects them to carry their general refuse down to the same 'collection point'!) My wife and I are in our late 70s.

It would be of interest if the council would publicise the capital cost of introducing its new recycling scheme, together with the expected annual running costs and the expected annual income from the sale of recyclable materials. This would enable council taxpayers to see whether they were getting value for money.

Philip Halliwell

Elmwood

Broomhill

Chagford