THE first steps towards the closure of the Redbridge household recycling centre has been taken by Oxfordshire County Council in preparation to force the public to use the Kidlington recycling facility they hope will be in operation by next summer It is sheer madness for the council to ban pedestrians who carry or wheel their rubbish and live within walking distance of the tip, on the grounds of health and safety (Oxford Mail, July 19).

The centre is very well used and popular with all groups, householders and tradesmen, and it could be considered a success, as it has encouraged the public to sort out and recycle their rubbish instead of dumping sack-loads in the countryside or having weekend bonfires in their gardens.

It is a poor excuse to say that the centre was not designed for pedestrians therefore they are banned.

Will the new refurbished centre cater for householders living nearby who would prefer to walk and wheel or carry their rubbish?

It appears that no thought has been given as the new centre has been designed to collect trade waste, with just two days in the week and bank holidays opened to the public.

Council policy in recent years seems to have been based on the premise – ‘if it works meddle with it and make a mess of it’.

It is a false policy where only rotten decisions can emanate from a loony bin.

VIM RODRIGO Rivermead Road Rose Hill Oxford