As you rightly point out (Oxford Mail, July 11), when it comes to altering services as fundamental as rubbish collections, consultation with residents is paramount.

We were surprised, therefore, that you chose not to include details of the consultation that took place in South Oxfordshire on our plans.

There was overwhelming support from residents.

More than 75 per cent supported a separate weekly collection of food waste for composting and 64 per cent said they would accept fortnightly collections of residual rubbish and recycling if food waste was collected every week.

The biggest concern was the frequency of food waste collection for fear of smells and vermin.

However, we have said from the outset that we would collect this waste weekly.

Working together, we recognised the benefit of sharing South Oxfordshire's robust consultation results, given the similarities across the two districts.

Therefore, the Vale was able to avoid spending further public money on more consultation - when what both districts need to do is communicate with residents how the new service will work.

Given the backing we have from residents and that we will collect food waste every week, we are confident that the new service will be a success in reducing waste going to landfill and increasing recycling.

Both South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse district councils will continue to involve residents in the process and once the final contract is in place, we will be working with our contractor to communicate clearly how the new service for waste collection and recycling will work for them.

MATT PROSSER Strategic Director South Oxfordshire District Council STEVE BISHOP Strategic Director Vale of White Horse District Council