RALF (Ramsbottom Against Landfill) could not agree more with Ramsbottom recycler Kate Bell (Your Letters, March 28).

It is our view that the recycling facilities provided in Ramsbottom by Bury MBC are inadequate.

After fighting for four years to avert the threat of landfill, Ramsbottom residents are all too aware of the issues involved and the pressing need to increase the rate of recycling in this area. Having had a glimpse of the alternative, they have told us that they are keen to recycle. And let us not forget that the threat of landfill has not gone away.

RALF has produced a discussion document, which was presented to council officers in January, outlining our views on the future of recycling in Ramsbottom. We have attended a number of meetings with both council officers and members to continue to press our cause for improved recycling facilities and the reinstatement of a civic amenity site in Ramsbottom and were very supportive of the council's efforts to secure funding from DEFRA for a doorstep collection scheme.

You can imagine how completely dismayed we were, therefore, to learn, when the DEFRA bid was successful, that the areas of Ramsbottom that would be most affected by a landfill at Fletcher Bank -- places such as Shuttleworth, Bury New Road, Peel Brow and the town centre -- would not be included in the initial phase. Indeed it could be at least two years before such a scheme is made available to Ramsbottom.

For a community under continuing threat of landfill, and whose residents are keen to recycle, to not be included is astonishing. We would urge all those who fought so valiantly against the landfill to support RALF again in our fight for better recycling facilities. Please make your voices heard.

If anyone would like further information, or a copy of RALF's report, please contact us at info@ralf.org.uk

RAMSBOTTOM

AGAINST LANDFILL