I AM mystified as to why Mr Cresswell, corporate director of Ryedale District Council, is quoted as stating that hitherto garden waste collection was provided free of charge.

For what purpose I wonder, does Mr Cresswell feel council tax is levied, apart from the provision of healthy salaries to RDC management.

The false concept that the citizenry is provided with certain services free of charge does not bode well for future financial planning.

On the next occasion when the council provide something for free, I will gaze skyward in anticipation of a porcine procession.

J P Alexander, Pickering