Larger bins because of the increasing footfall

I REFER to your correspondent Karen Preston (“‘Unsightly’ bins to allow fewer collections?”, Mailbox May 10).

It was gratifying to note that your correspondent has missed the Focus News Letter which has been regularly sent out by Oadby Lib Dems for the last 30 years.

But it is important to correct some of her “facts” as she is giving a misleading perception of Oadby town centre shopping area.

Oadby Town has a thriving day and night economy which is proved by the fact that it has 94 per cent retail occupancy compared with the national average of about 89 per cent.

She criticises the fact that because of the increased footfall and litter the council has placed larger street litter bins to avoid overspill. That she accuses the council of decreasing emptying times is incorrect.

The car parks are well used in Oadby town centre as Lib Dem councillors have offered half-price permits to residents, which amounts to all-day parking for as little as 5p per day in Sandhurst Street car park.

The car parks are also conveniently situated for the shops and are reasonable priced for visitors.

Despite difficulties in retail trading because of changes in shopping habits and the recovery from Covid restrictions, through the entrepreneurship of traders working with the council and the support of residents, Oadby is a nice place to live and shop.

It is very sad to read such negative correspondence as Oadby has a very diversified selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, with new shops opening regularly.

It seems to me that some people you can never please. If the council tries to reduce cleaning costs it is criticised. If it increases litter bins it is wrong.

I am not sure if this resident is complaining she hears from councillors (Lib Dems the only councillors you hear from between elections) or if she would like to join our team and get more Focus leaflets out.

Councillor Jeffrey Kaufman, Brockshill Ward, Oadby