The skip season is upon us again, as North Kingston's residents empty their gardens and attics into the neighbourhood's Civic Amenity Skips.

And with the seven-by-12ft behemoths in our road overflowing on to the tarmac, there will be rich pickings to be had. High grade timber, clothes, working electrical appliances - it leads me to wonder whether people have the right idea. Rather than join the mad dash to fill the skips and contribute to landfill, we can dispose of our unwanted items at our convenience and benefit others in the process.

Princess Alice Hospice (01932 222 733) and Mental Aid Projects (0181 399 3136) will pick up furniture and appliances from your home. All charity shops will accept clothes and bric-a-brac during opening hours, and drop-offs can be fitted into a shopping trip. Outside office hours, there are clothes donation boxes at recycling points and superstore car parks. Bicycle Recycle (0181 974 1070) will pick up whole or incomplete bicycles. Crutches and other equipment on loan should be returned to a hospital.

LUKIN BREWER

14 Studland Road

Kingston.

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