Sir – I read with dismay and disbelief your report of the impending closure of the Redbridge waste-recycling facility to the general public.

As the secretary of a suburban wildlife site within the city boundary, I have spent the past ten years co-ordinating the clean-up of six acres of reed bed and woodland which in less enlightened days were used as an unofficial rubbish tip.

Volunteers from the local community have worked long and hard to restore the site, making it safe for visitors and wildlife alike. We have removed tons of rubbish and created woodland glades, a pond, and a wildflower meadow.

Now I fear that all our hard work will have been in vain. If the Redbridge recycling centre is closed, a return to the bad old days of fly-tipping seems inevitable.

It is unrealistic to expect householders from Oxford to drive for miles to alternative recycling facilities in the county (which in any case the county council plans to reduce from eight to five in number).

Instead, people will opt for easier solutions — such as dumping their dead fridges and computers in our pond. I despair.

Councillor Mitchell, I don’t expect you to care about our glow worms and water voles. But what about your own landfill-reduction targets? And the costs of dealing with fly-tipping on road sides? Think again. Consider introducing a small charge for the dumping of household rubbish at the Redbridge recycling centre. At least give it a try.

Catherine Robinson, Oxford