PUBLIC concern is growing about the amount of litter on the streets and in the car parks.

At the end of the day are two ways in which this problem can be tackled. Firstly, people can of course do more to take litter home and dispose of it there. However ideal that may be, we know that is not the only solution.

Secondly, the local authorities can make sure that there are enough litter bins available in the right places and that they are emptied properly. From that point of view, it's very unfortunate that Wiltshire Council has quietly introduced a policy of not replacing any bins which are vandalised or removed.

It doesn't take much thought to see that this is a back door method of cutting back on litter collection services.

Wiltshire Council’s answer is that people should behave better. And that the town council now needs to take responsibility for (and spend money on) replacing bins or installing new ones.

Absurdly, they didn't discuss this in advance with the town council. So neither council is in the end responsible for litter bins and litter collection in public places and they will no doubt spend a lot of energy passing the buck from one to the other. And we will end up with a situation where two councils are spending time and money emptying bins in the same streets and parks. This is nonsense.

The public will find it extraordinary that the two local authorities cannot sit down together and work out a sensible way forward with this important frontline public service.

In the meantime, I will continue to campaign to get Wiltshire Council to reverse their frankly daft policy.

Chris Caswill

Independent Wiltshire councillor

Chippenham Monkton ward