IN response to Mr Mercer's letter (October 20) I am writing to confirm that West Devon Borough Council does not intend to change its already successful collections service.

The cry from Mr Pickles for a return to weekly collections is aimed at those authorities which operate on a fortnightly or longer collections basis. Our service here in West Devon does in effect already collect waste that could present health hazards (in particular, food waste) on a weekly basis from all properties. Then on alternate weeks, the council collects remaining household waste, garden waste and thick card.

The current collections service was rolled out in West Devon in September 2010 after extensive consultation with the community and other key groups. Our recycling rate was 44% prior to the new service starting, has risen to 58% in the first year and we expect it to increase further.

Any decision to revert to a weekly collection for all types of refuse would be hugely expensive and would have a detrimental impact on our environment.

West Devon Borough Council's waste and recycling service has been nominated for two national awards in the last six months, both of which reflect the success of the new service.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, Chairman

Environment and community committee

West Devon Borough Council