SIR, May I add to Nancy’s experience of Eshiels Recycling centre (Peeblesshire News, November 14).

Following the demise of the garden waste collection service, I transported my large grass-cuttings collection, by small trailer to Eshiels, in the old green bin, plus some bags. I could then wheel the bin into the disposal container at Eshiels and tip out. But then I encountered the “improved” facilities - container gone and bin now requiring to be uplifted, up and over a high wall!

I asked the watching Eshiels employee if he could give me a hand to heave up. “Nah, health and safety. You can risk your back if you want to, to but I’m not,”. Could you then open the gate and let me wheel it round to tip over? “Nah, health and safety,” was the reply. But I was offered to leave the green bin, and contents, for free disposal. Not, “we can empty and give it back to you.” So, I no longer have my green bin but my wife and I now use large container bags and struggle to lift up and over the formidable wall. Fine, whilst we are fit and strong enough, but.... The essence of quality service is design around the needs of customers.

With regard to Eshiels Recycling, the service appears to have been redesigned around the employee’s convenience, with scant regard to the customer.

I am, etc.

A Dawson Frankscroft Peebles