FROM August 1, like many people in the upper Calder Valley, I will continue to use my Kerbside Calderdale box rather than give in to the bullyboy tactics of the international waste firm Sita ("It's us or them; take your pick of recyclers", Courier, July 18).

Unlike Sita, Kerbside has a track record of working with the community it serves and being part of the community itself.

The impact of Kerbside is not just on the company's own balance sheet but on Calderdale as a whole. Over its short existence Kerbside has helped many disadvantaged people into the workplace.

When Kerbside's director, Paul Brannigan, came to Hebden Royd Town Council looking for assistance to increase the recycling in the area, councillors of all political persuasions were impressed by the professional and efficient nature of the business and pledged to help.

I do hope Sita can fulfil its side of the bargain and come to an agreement using Kerbside for recycling collection and sorting.

After nominating Kerbside for the Courier's Community and Environment Awards, I will sit down and work out if a Sita box will make a better garden planter or a container to store my tools.

(Coun) John Beacroft-Mitchell
(Hebden Royd Town Council)