I have been driving dustcarts in and around Brighton for more than 26 years and I feel there are a number of misconceptions concerning the current dispute.

Myself and the other dustcart/recycling drivers are all heavy goods vehicle class 2 or 1 drivers.

To maintain our HGV licence we have to undergo regular CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training, take regular medicals, tachograph training and be able to squeeze an eight foot wide, thirty foot long vehicle weighing up to 26 tons down virtually every street in Brighton and Hove (often in reverse!).

We not only maintain the safety of our crew and the public but we also have to deal with many problems that can arise during our working day.

With all this responsibility we are paid the same wages as other staff who drive small transit vans which require nothing other than an ordinary car licence.

I do not see how Mr Kitcat or Mr Raw can justify this situation.

Name and address supplied