ON July 1 the new bin system came into force and didn't the Forest of Dean district council take full advantage of it.

They took the green bin away from Mitcheldean churchyard so now people tending their loved ones' graves have to take the dead flowers home with them.

Some, I might add, visit the graves from outside the village, probably travelling by bus. How embarrassing to have to sit next to someone having a bag of smelly flowers on your lap.

What I can't understand is on green bin day, they collect three bins belonging to private residents from outside the rear gate of the churchyard, so it isn't as if they would have to make a special journey.

All I can say is shame on you, the council. If you are that tight for money then send me the bill for £26 and I will pay it.

I saw a picture of our local district councillor on the site of the cycle dirt track taking the plaudits for the reconstruction which, I was led to believe, was instigated by our local parish council. Perhaps he might like to earn some more Brownie points and let the people of Mitcheldean know what can be done about it.

– John D Tandy, Deansway Road, Mitchel­dean.