TWO Hadleigh residents who responded to a challenge have this week given a wholesome thumbs up to Babergh District Council's pink bag recycling scheme.

TWO Hadleigh residents who responded to a challenge have this week given a wholesome thumbs up to Babergh District Council's pink bag recycling scheme.

David Williams and Roy Smith responded to a letter in the media from Malcolm Firth, Babergh's Head of Environmental Services.

In it Malcolm Firth urged sceptical residents to visit the Great Blakenham recycling depot and convince themselves that the waste in the pink bags is actually recycled and not dumped into holes in the ground.

"The letter drew an enormous response but sadly not everyone could make the date of the site visit," said Malcolm Firth. "However, we were delighted that Mr Smith and Mr Williams were able to see how seriously Babergh takes recycling."

Roy Smith and David Williams visited the Depot and were given a presentation on the recycling challenges facing Babergh and its residents, followed by a tour of the recycling plant itself.

"We saw with our own eyes how waste in Babergh's pink bags was delivered, separated out and processed. I am very impressed with Babergh's commitment to recycling," said Roy Smith.

David Williams added: "Anyone who is doubtful as to whether their pink bags are recycled should see the Great Blakenham depot in operation. Babergh is clearly serious about recycling and the pink bag scheme is an important part of their strategy. Please support it!"

Babergh currently recycles 15.5 per cent of the household waste created by residents. Through the pink bag and other future schemes, the Council aims to increase that to 32 per cent within two years.