I have just had a quick look at the Wiltshire Council budget proposals.

There are many cuts in there, but the one that immediately grabbed my attention was a proposal to charge for collection of green waste.

You will remember that there was a consultation exercise in which the vast majority supported the idea to suspend this collection during the winter months This proposal apparently has been dropped and Wiltshire Council are now aiming to get an extra £800,000 income by putting on charges.

So much for consultation.

There are many other matters but this one should be drawn to the attention of the public.

I will be strongly opposing this, especially in light of the manner in which it rides roughshod over the principle of public consultation.

If you require further information, clarification or comment, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Osborn, Wiltshire Councillor (Independent).