John Arkell has raised a very important issue and highlighted the confused thinking that seems to emanate from our local council’s policy decisions (Letters August 11).

What exactly do we the electorate expect from our council? Surely we should expect that they provide the basic facilities for the efficient running of the district which, amongst refuse collection, would include public conveniences as part of public hygiene.

Ironically as India sets out to clean up irts act regarding “alfresco defecation”, here in a non-third world country we find our local authority setting out to promote the practice.

Russell Darbyshire, Stogumber.