WITH the introduction of the additional waste containers and the now fortnightly collection of non-recyclable material, I thought it prudent to request a replacement grey bin as my existing one had been split by the refuse collectors.

On phoning Bury Metro I was informed to leave the damaged bin at the front of my property and that it would be removed and a new one provided. When I got home from work the new bin was on the driveway, but the old one was still there. So I rang again . . .

To cut a long story short, I rang five times to complain that the bin was still there. I was told to "be patient", "to leave the bin for collection", that there is "a back-log for collections", that "the new collections system has caused problems" and, on the last occasion, that "the manager will call you back". Would the council be this patient if I decided to delay my council tax payment? At the time of writing, 14 days have passed and the bin is still there.

I recently purchased a can-crusher to save space in the black tubs, as I am all for recycling but don't want to have more than one tub. Maybe I should forward the bill for £9.99 plus VAT to Bury Council.

G. PARKINSON (Mrs)