IN reply to Cllr Hopkins’ letter regarding bin proposals. Is this another case of amnesia?

On August 2, 2013, he agreed with the proposed cuts and made a great speech in council in support.

As executive member, waste management, I must point out the option was agreed unanimously by the task and finish group including two independent members, Cllrs Collier and Meredith. The ensuing all-party scrutiny meeting also supported this option.

These changes have been necessitated by directives from the European, UK and Welsh governments.

We must move to kerbside recycling and meet targets; not meeting targets could result in fines of up to £100,000. In respect of the £4.3 million quoted by Cllr Hopkins, this money cannot be used for any other purpose. Blaenau Gwent’s current rate of recycling is 54 per cent, which is a great credit to all our constituents. However, our next target — 58 per cent — is a big challenge.

These changes may cause problems. But we will provide the appropriate officer support to deal with difficulties. Cllr Hopkins should take his problems to the respective governments, not Blaenau Gwent. Or is this his alter ego, Daniels Man, speaking?

Cllr David White, Ebbw Vale