Sir, - I must express my disappointment and disgust at Richmondshire District Council over its re-cycling policy. The council is at present singing its own praises at introducing the blue bag waste paper collecting scheme.

This is, I believe, where households will be able to save wastepaper and every two weeks it will be collected for re-cycling. This is commendable, but where is the council's plastics re-cycling facility?

The biggest product the average household uses and throws out must be plastic, from pop bottles, yoghurt cartons to margarine containers.

When I contacted Richmondshire Council, I was informed there isn't anywhere in Richmondshire where people can take plastic they wish to re-cycle.

I find this incredible in this day and age, especially with the council allegedly putting a high emphasis on re-cycling and protecting our environment.

I was informed by the council that the site at the Co-op in Richmond had to be closed because of misuse by people putting non-plastics in the container, ie a dead dog. I was informed then that the site was run by the Co-op and not the council, and it would be difficult to maintain as re-cycling plastic wasn't profitable.

I hope the council re-thinks its policy and strives to re-introduce a plastics collection facility in the Richmondshire area as soon as possible.

MARK RASBEARY.

Richmond Road,

Catterick Garrison.

Thoughtless

Sir, - A heart-felt thank-you to all those thoughtless people who had firework parties on every day of the week leading up to bonfire night from mid-October through to (at the last count) last Sunday.

I am not a kill joy, I love the fair, fireworks and parties, I truly believe they are part of our heritage and should not be banned.

However, I am a pet owner and my dog has a nervous disposition. We have to get drugs to calm her down and as a pet owner I accept that on bonfire Saturday and bonfire night this must be done.

On Sunday when we were least expecting yet more loud fireworks, my dog was in the garden, she became distressed and frightened and ran into a corner and gashed her leg.

Perhaps the people who were letting off fireworks, who obviously have more money than sense, would care to pay for my dog to be seen by the vet and someone to come in and clean the carpet where the blood ran.

I dare say these same people will wish to welcome in the New Year in a similar manner. It may be an idea if they gave some consideration to others because if given a chance I for one would be voting to outlaw fireworks.

(Mrs)Y A JOBLING

Turker Lane,

Northallerton.