THANK you for highlighting Oxford's new pay-for garden waste scheme (Oxford Mail, April 6).

Unfortunately the Government cuts have forced the city council to charge £35 a year (or £1.34 a fortnight) for the garden waste recycling service, but we have introduced some improvements which I hope will appeal to Oxford residents.

The brown wheelie bins will keep garden clippings tidy and will be easier, for residents and council staff, to move around.

If people don’t have space they can use recyclable paper sacks instead, which cost £35 for 20 (or £25 for 10).

From the end of April the council will no longer empty the green hessian sacks, which residents can keep.

The new scheme, which starts in May, is entirely voluntary.

Anyone receiving housing or council tax benefit, because of their low income, can still get their garden waste collected at no charge. Home composting is also a good idea.

At least until April 2012 householders can continue to take their garden waste to the Redbridge recycling centre at no charge.

We are talking to the county council to try and ensure that service continues, not just at weekends but during the week too.

The important thing is that we all recycle as much as we can.

To sign up to the new scheme, Oxford residents should call 01865 248911, email recycling@oxford. gov.uk or go online at oxford.gov.uk/newrecycling

JOHN TANNER, Board Member for a Cleaner, Greener Oxford, Oxford City Council