• THE main problem in Camden is undoubtedly public waste disposal.

It is doubtful whether a litter bin will ever be respectfully named after Cllr Georgia Gould or Cllr Adam Harrison.

It wouldn’t be really nice either. After all our bins are not covered in gleaming white marble, but overflow with sticky liquids, disposable packaging, maggots and dirt.

The council meeting on Monday reminded one of ancient Roman decadence, (Labour blocks review of Camden’s waste contract despite filthy streets warning, November 24).

The Camden rulers have applauded themselves, crushed criticism of their waste management regime, and declined to seek public opinion. In their arrogance, incapable of meeting the basic needs of the people they represent, they remind me of Leo I.

He was one of the last emperors, and he failed on all fronts despite the best of intentions. Denial of responsibility and throwing the money out the windows with full hands did not work then as now.

By the way, money and responsibility; one Labour councillor actually admitted the failure of the waste disposal – unintentionally but at least it gave him the opportunity to blame the central government, which would be responsible for the mess due to budget cuts.

Of course, he didn’t mention that the people of Camden are being ripped off with one of the highest council tax rates in the country and that Camden has rewarded its sole contractor, Veolia, with a recycling contract set in stone that runs for half a generation and costs hundreds of millions. Budget cuts by the central government have little to do with it.

Maybe it’s time for a Götterdämmerung in Camden. Those in charge must remember we are citizens and not their subjects; that we are entitled to public services and not have to be grateful for a little.

MARX DE MORAIS
The Heights, NW3