I NOTE that the matter of weekly versus bi-weekly bin collection is still a controversial issue, not only in Oxfordshire but throughout the country.

So once again I sat down with the Payne think-tank of grandchildren to try to assist the district councils in their dilemma.

It is a qualification for this think-tank that no member (except me of course) is over the age of 10 years. As the councils wish to try to retain bi-weekly collections and their customers’ main objection to this seems to be the fact the bins are often filled to capacity well before collection date, the think-tank asked whether the problem could be solved by increasing the size of the wheelie bins.

Such bins are manufactured and supplied at present to large families.

My think-tank did not have access to all public records or computer data (if you discount Super Mario on a Nintendo DS) but the idea does appear to have some merit.

There would, of course, be an initial capital outlay but some of this could be offset by recycling the smaller bins currently in use. Balance this against the fact that taxpayers may feel better disposed towards their councils and the issue of recycling.

Utopia? Possible obstruction of the footway by larger bins was raised, but the eight-year-old suggested they be placed on the pavements, side on.

The think-tank gives apologies but it cannot undertake the problem of the financial deficit at the moment. Brownies and football training are making a demand on their time and they don’t want to peak too early.

Incidentally, wear and tear on large council buildings and hidden costs of lighting and heating by using committee rooms in the evenings could be avoided. The think-tank prefers somewhere like McDonald’s or Burger King while deliberating, which of course also addresses the catering issues that have sometimes caused minor friction within the councils.

CHRIS PAYNE Turnpike Road Bicester