I REFER to your article ‘what a dump idea’ (Salisbury Journal, June 4).

Like many other people I have spoken to I am appalled by this latest ill-conceived and utterly ridiculous idea to emanate from the distant ‘Trowbridgeshire’ Council.

I have always looked upon the tip as the only tangible and really useful benefit I receive for my Council Tax payments.

The current opening hours suit the needs of the local residents admirably and the tip is well run by a friendly and efficient team.

They are rightly worried that they are going to bear the brunt of the public anger when they attempt to close the gates at four o’clock while there is still a long queue of cars waiting to get in. This is bound to happen at weekends, the only time that working people will now be able to use the tip. There are often long queues at the moment, making access difficult for the garages and other businesses lining the road.

Imagine the chaos when those denied access during the whole working week join those getting rid of their rubbish from Thursday and Friday. Even those who are lucky enough to beat the clock are likely to find the skips full.

What are they going to do?

You’ve guessed it: fly tip!

Who is going to pay for clearing that up? Somebody should think through the hidden costs before implementing this drastic change.

Sadly, this sort of thing is going to continue to happen until we get back a council staffed by councillors with local knowledge and a modicum of common sense.

COLIN MCALLISTER Stoford