FOR several years West Devon Borough Council enjoyed the efficient waste collection services of Biffa. When the contract came up for renewal, Biffa was replaced by Focsa.

I should like to know why, as Biffa was extremely efficient. I believe other Council Tax payers are now asking this same question.

Among the services provided by Biffa was a garden waste collection service. The customer provided the bags filled with garden waste.

A roll of 10 extra-strong large bags could be bought locally for £1, ie 10p per bag.

Thus, with the 50p Biffa charged it cost the elderly gardener without private transport 60p to dispose of one large sack of such waste, which was extremely fair and of great value to the gardener.

Since the advent of Focsa that has changed dramatically. Focsa supplies its own bags of lesser quality for which it charges £1 plus 17p VAT Since when did one plastic bin bag carry a 17p VAT charge?

It does not charge for removal, but the overall cost to remove one bag of garden waste has soared from 60p to £1.17.

This is iniquitous profiteering at the expense of the least able in our society who are wholly dependent on such services.

I for one will not be ripped off in this manner by Focsa and I suggest other like-minded Council Tax payers join me in this protest.

l a certain amount of garden waste can be composted.

l a home incinerator can be bought at a local hardware store for £15 and will last for over a year, but use it after 5pm, and the ash is good for the garden.

l some of course will fly-tip and give this iniquitous charge by Focsa as an excuse.

l better still, demand of West Devon Borough Council that Focsa be replaced by good old Biffa so that we can once more feel assured that because we are old and frail we will not continue to be victims to a gigantic rip off!

Mrs L Smith

Lang Grove

Down Park Drive

Tavistock