ISLANDERS can collect firewood for free from today.

Following an enquiry from retired policeman John Le Couteur, the Guernsey Press asked the Public Services Department why wood was being thrown into Mont Cuet that could be used as valuable fuel.

Mr Le Couteur (pictured), who had been having trouble finding wood for the fireplace in his cottage, said it was wrong to be putting it into landfill, especially when the island had spent money trying to put out a fire deep inside it.

‘People go to bring banks with their washed milk cartons and their cardboard to recycle thinking they are doing a service for the States and the island, yet tonnes of wood is going to Mont Cuet which could be better used.

‘No wonder it was on fire,’ he said.

The department responded by saying that following Mr Le Couteur raising the question with the Guernsey Press, it had looked again at the issue.

‘Public Services will provide a dedicated skip at the Longue Hougue waste recycling facility for the public to drop off unwanted timber, which other islanders can then pick up for free,’ said a spokesman.

Mr Le Couteur was delighted.