Sir – I remember reading somewhere that “Newspaper editors are people who come down from the hills when the battle is over and bayonet the wounded”.

I think your editorial on our waste management policy (October 22) precisely represents that position. I deeply resent your suggestion that we have manipulated ourselves into a position where we can blame anyone other than the county council for where we find ourselves.

It is simply not true. We have invested far too much not to be taking waste policy very seriously. Your editorial position contrasts strongly with your sister publication, the Oxford Mail, which celebrated the fact that the planning arm of the county council had demonstrated its independence from the executive arm. Might media brother and sister talk to one another? The county council is taking stock.

I hope your newspaper might discard the posture of the oldest profession (power without responsibility) or that of the Liberal Democrats (confidence they will never be in power) and tell us all what you think we should do?

Keith Mitchell, Leader of the council, County Hall