It is unfortunate that David Horton chooses to claim the idea of recycling is not being "sold" to residents (Letters, June 1).

With the changes still several months away, I assure readers that I am working very hard with others to prepare an exciting campaign to engage with York people.

I am even going to Brussels to discuss the possibility of getting EU funding to help our campaign.

I am disappointed that the Labour members and the Green member of the environment and sustainability committee failed to support the changes we will be making to refuse collections later in the year.

We are used to a lack of support for environmentally sustainable initiatives from 'Green' Councillor Andy D'Agorne, who voted against solar houses in Fishergate, against this recycling initiative, and fails to support the attempts to ensure that the proposed Derwenthorpe development be a flagship of environmentally sustainable housing construction.

How he portrays himself as 'Green' is completely beyond me.

I am also disappointed that David Horton is happier carping from the sidelines than joining with us in the campaign to move this city forwards, because I am sure any positive contributions he has to make on promoting an increase in recycling would be welcomed.

We lag way behind the rest of Europe on recycling. We cannot go on strutting our environmental credentials, endlessly consulting and issuing fine statements about our commitment to change without ever doing anything. We have to get on with it.

I am confident the forthcoming changes, and the campaign promoting them, will enable all York residents to feel proud that we are all finally addressing the issues rather than simply talking about them.

Coun Christian Vassie,

Blake Court,

Wheldrake.

York.

Updated: 09:18 Friday, June 03, 2005