I visited the Evesham Council Offices to buy some garden refuse bags and was told the charge would be £1.60p per bag. Could someone please explain how such an exorbitant charge can be made for something so essential?

I am aware that garden refuse can be disposed of at the tip but wonder how elderly or infirm residents are expected to get there especially if they do not have transport. The alternative- to pay £1.60 per bag may not sound much to many but for those on low, fixed incomes it is an exorbitant amount.

Our Community Tax has risen from £847 in 1998 to £1720 for the current year and Heaven knows what for next year. Elderly pensioners are struggling to pay for ever increasing gas, electricity etc., as our pensions have not kept pace with these and the many other bills which constantly flood in.

Could our Council not do as Stratford do and supply free bags - or do they want us to let our gardens run riot .

Mrs Audrey Smith, Honeybourne.

l Sharon Casswell, Clients Services Manager at Wychavon District Council, said: "A survey has been carried out of a cross section of residents. The future of the re-cycling system will be discussed with the survey at a committee meeting on January 31."