SIR - I am a Winchester resident and fully support the city council's recent introduction of alternate weekly refuse and recyclables collection.

I have recently received a mailshot from an organisation called The Community Refuse Partnership' based in Romsey. The letter is clearly touting for business in what it sees as a market opportunity.

The letter entitled Domestic Rubbish Collections - Suspension of Weekly Service', is attempting to solicit support from households in this area.

It plays on householders' concerns "about health implications" and "the negative effects it may have on the neighbourhood resulting from build up of unsightly refuse".

It goes on to state: "There is no doubt that rubbish left decomposing for an extended period of time can be a cause of concern for us all."

The letter also features familiar graphic logos of the our "world" and "Reduce-Reuse; Recycle-Respect" and claims to "encourage recycling and ethical waste disposal".

If this is their true commitment then there should be no need for services of this kind?

They would be better to market and sell compost bins and/or can crushers to householders which I find dramatically reduces refuse waste volume/bulk.

The emergence of these private' refuse collection services is a worrying development nationwide, and I feel it should be exposed for what it is - a flagrant attempt to undermine local authorities and their strategy to encourage householders and businesses to recycle and reduce waste.

I would urge the city council and all residents to embrace the current initiative to reduce waste.

I would also call on the city council to reinforce its message to all residents on the current strategy, its philosophy and advice to all on how to help tackle this environmental issue.

Dan Keeler, Sycamore Drive, Kings Worthy.