Following the article in Wednesday's Advertiser, Smaller bins will mean more litter, page 23, I would like the opportunity to make comment on some of the issues raised.

Right now councils are subject to pay increased Landfill Tax at a rate of +£3 per annum per tonne of rubbish, from £18 to a current maximum of £38.

This is a tax that would land right back on the doorstep of the council tax payer.

We clearly need to reduce the amount of rubbish being sent to landfill, yet based on current figures, we are still increasing at a rate of five per cent per annum.

The wheeled bins being introduced across the North Wilts district have a capacity of 180 litres. This is equivalent to three bin bags of rubbish per household of four or less people.

Combined with the kerbside recycling scheme, which most householders are able to take part in, this gives a total capacity of 235 litres of waste per household per week.

Research carried out prior to the purchase of the bins showed this is more than ample for the average family.

Since the start of the rollout of the scheme in October in Corsham, there has been no evidence to NWDC of extra rubbish dumping or fly tipping. It should also be noted that NWDC will prosecute identified offenders.

The wheeled bin roadshow is in Wootton Bassett on Friday and Saturday with expert staff on hand to answer any questions people have.

I would like to encourage people to visit and learn more about the scheme and waste minimisation, especially Ms Wason of Orchard House who clearly needs some help in this matter. I am more than happy to speak with any other family who produces similar amounts of rubbish, "eight to ten bags", on how to reduce their waste.

Olivia Thomas.

NWDC Councillor/Wootton Bassett Town Councillor

Clarendon Drive

Wootton Bassett