ABOUT five weeks ago I arranged with Lewisham refuse disposal to collect one washing machine and one cooker free of charge under their scheme for collecting bulky items of rubbish.

They said they would collect on December 6. This morning (December 6) a dustman knocked on my door and asked if I wanted the two items in my front garden removed. If so, he would charge me.

I explained they were awaiting collection. He said that service has been suspended but, if the two items were there next week, he would take them.

Then I noticed the dustmen had removed two sofas and one bed from the house next door and put same in the crusher. I spoke to my neighbour and she said they should have been collected yesterday but weren't. The dustmen charged her £10 to take them.

I rang the council refuse department and told them. They said the service had been suspended indefinitely but dustmen should not be charging people or taking bulky rubbish.

It seems to me the council are saving money by suspending a needful service and the refuse collectors are making money by taking it over.

J HAYES

Brownhill Road

Catford

December 20, 2001 10:51