• AMID all the fuss about Camden’s controversial new waste contract, it seems that once again the council has let itself down by poor communication.

Scores of confused residents have been in touch both with the council system and their councillors asking why they haven’t received their wheelie bin; or if they have an unwanted one how to get rid of it; how do they apply for this or that service; and complaining about garden waste charges.

Camden has missed a trick over garden waste. They failed to highlight the suggestion I made some months ago, which was agreed, that the proposed new charge of £75 for garden waste collection will be discounted by 30 per cent for those over 65 or on full council tax benefit. Call 020 7974 2022 to register.

Also they agreed people can set up a shared collection with neighbours so the cost to keen gardeners could be even lower. Why keep it so quiet? Is it deliberate so as to maximise the revenue from this unpopular charge or is it just incompetence like most of the communications surrounding the introduction of the scheme?

Just when you think this is the most money- grubbing and uncaring council you find that it has hidden good points like the free, three-times-a-year, collections of bulk waste for the elderly and people on benefits, another service which, if more widely advertised might lead to less dumping on the street and which I originally discovered quite by chance!

Why hide your occasional good light under a bushel, Camden?

Cllr FLICK REA
Liberal Democrat,
Fortune Green ward