Sir, Councillor Bob Price describes the Liberal Democrats as "cavalier in their approach to budgeting" (Letters, May 19). He is referring to their pledge to re-think the outgoing Labour group's proposals to introduce green wheelie bin collections.

As one who worked hard to return a good hard-working Labour councillor in the area I live in, let me say if there is any cavalier attitude over this scheme, that charge can be fairly laid at Labour's door. Consider the evidence.

On January 16 last, the Labour-controlled council decide to first consult about the proposed changes and then decide to set aside £2m to introduce the scheme irrespective of the outcome of that consultation.

The same evening councillor Tanner is on the local radio and in the local papers talking about the new scheme that will start in October and it will be good for us. If anybody is being cavalier with the democratic and budget-making process it is surely the outgoing Labour administration. The area I live in consistently votes Labour, consists mainly of terraced houses, many without front gardens. The scheme dreamed up by council officers, without consultation with us, does not suit our area. I have not met anybody who supports it. It would have had the effect of worsening our collection service, yet cost us, the council taxpayer, an additional £2m this year.

My loyalty will always lie with Labour, but on this scheme they were cavalier in their approach. Now that the hothead John Tanner has been thankfully removed from the executive board and the Liberals have pledged a re-think, it is time for all Labour councillors to consider the verdict of the electorate and re-think this silly wasteful scheme. All my political experience taught me that no party has a monopoly on wisdom. On this occasion the Liberals are right and Labour is wrong.

John Power, Oxford