YOUR recent report and editorial on recycling highlights what has been an ongoing problem in Andover.

Test Valley Borough Council underperforms at recycling.

To excuse poor recycling rates by claiming to have increased collection of litter will not ring true with residents, who have become accustomed to seeing litter everywhere and reductions in the staff and time spent on collecting it.

It’s almost as if the council is trying to blame their poor performance on us dropping litter instead of recycling it.

As the local authority it is their responsibility to ensure an adequate recycling rate.

If they collect more waste they should ensure the amount recycled increases proportionately. Other local authorities can and do, why doesn’t Test Valley?

The most obvious way is to start a doorstep collection of glass, giving an immediate high increase in recyclable material. It could also mean a reduction in the number of unsightly recycling bins around the town.

Neighbouring councils in Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Newbury and Salisbury all manage to collect glass. Test Valley councillors have always refused to do so. It’s time they explained why.

Len Gates, of Linton Drive, Andover