I own a Ford Escort van for travelling to work in.

About two months ago I took 12 rockery stones from my garden in my van to the tip. I was greeted with the normal unhelpful arrogant attitude of the refuse staff and informed that I was not able to dump them, as I was in a van.

I explained that I am not self-employed, the van is not sign written in anyway and is for personal use, not commercial.

I also explained that the stones were from my garden – they were covered in soil, and I even offered to show them where they came from.

I was told it was the manager’s decision. I asked to see him – he refused to get out of his vehicle, but said I could not deposit the bricks.

There was a big 4 X 4 in front of me, which could hold far more rubbish than my small van.

I must admit by this time I was very annoyed, and informed them to try and stop me. I dumped the bricks in the approriate skip, and the man in question followed me in a smug manner and began to write my details down.

As you can imagine, I was very very angry by this time and swore at the man!

Believe it or not, this incident was reported to the police, who followed up the complaint and informed me to be nicer on my next visit!

I have lodged a formal complaint to the council. They have responded and informed me that it is acceptable to use your van to take items to the tip, as long as they are items which can be put in your wheelie bin!

Logic tells you that if you own a car and a van you would use the van to transport the rubbish. It is pure discrimination.

I pay my excessive Council Tax for this service to be provided, I do not expect to face discrimination when I visit.



Carl Makeman

(address supplied)