When a resident of Carl House emailed Staple Tye's Liberal Democrat councillors about problems with the collection of recyclables from Carl House, they referred the matter to the council's Recycling Officer for action.

Cllr Lorna Spenceley joined the resident, the recycling officer, and a representative of Veolia on site - and a conversation and a couple of phone calls quickly revealed the source of the problem. The council had told residents their recyclables would be collected on 'red' weeks, while Veolia had told the collection team they would be collected on 'green' weeks! Confusion all round!

It's now been agreed to change the collection week for Carl House to 'green' weeks so that it fits in with neighbouring Spruce Hill, fortnightly starting on 25 January; and the council is also looking into providing outside wheelie bins secured to the walls, which is safer and also easier for the residents. Residents with any problems are encouraged to get in touch with Contact Harlow on 446655.