I write in response to your story about recycling, Bin there, done that (Oxford Mail, November 19).

The scheme is not working, and the council does not listen.

I have sent complaint after complaint to the council, and was eventually told to refer my complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman could not help because it was a policy decision affecting all or most of the inhabitants.

I have contacted Oxford East MP Andrew Smith about the Public Health Act 1875, which charges local authorities with the duty to arrange the removal and disposal of waste every week.

I can find no evidence that this Act has been repealed, and therefore consider that councils across the UK could be breaking the law.

Mr Smith replied to my concerns and referred the information to Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, in the hope of getting a definitive answer.

The fortnightly waste collection is not working in East Oxford and it never will.

JUSTIN WALDEN Hurst Street Oxford