This morning I rang Wiltshire Council about collecting some unwanted furniture, which consisted of one dining room table and four dining room chairs.

I was shocked at the price they quoted, £11.18 per item.

The young lady I spoke to did say that maybe they would count two chairs as one item. Even so, I thought the cost was extortionate and declined.

The furniture is now in pieces and on its way to the recycling centre, which, owing to reduced hours and just being opened on certain days, you need both time and patience for.

For a council that was so hot on recycling, they are not encouraging people to do it.

M Blackmore (Mrs), Downs View, Bradford on Avon.