I AGREE with much of what Geoff Brewer (letters, November 2) says about the need to recycle waste but it would be inadvisable to abandon the skip service before we have a recycling centre in Devizes and a more varied kerbside collection, otherwise we would encourage more random fly tipping.

Free skips are allocated to town and parish councils by Kennet District Council. The number each receives depends on the parish population.

Extra skips have to be paid for by the parish councils, which are responsible for their siting and management.

Having skips sited outside my door I am familiar with their misuse but also their popularity.

In response to problems about the use of skips highlighted by residents, Devizes Town Council recently debated whether to retain the skip service. The council decided by a narrow majority to continue with this service but at the same time survey the opinions of residents.

It is also to pilot a scheme, for a short period, in which the delivery time and length of stay of skips could be changed.

Myself and several other councillors volunteered to monitor the scheme until the end of November.

This initiative was an attempt to avoid traffic jams at skip sites, reduce the accumulation of surplus waste around the skips and prevent potentially dangerous materials being left.

The town council will shortly review the results of the survey and the pilot scheme.

Of course, supervision of the skips is a problem and may not be sustainable and, as Mr Holloway points out, the temporary change in times has put some people at a disadvantage.

COUN RAY TAYLOR

Devizes South Ward

Parkfield

Devizes