PLANS to create a greener Watford are far too vague, according to Green Party councillor Steve Rackett, who has challenged Watford's mayor to come up with concrete targets on environmental issues.

The newly elected councillor called on Mayor Dorothy Thornhill to tighten up policies published in Watford's Best Value Performance Plan in which sustainability is one of five priorities.

The plan promises the introduction of green waste collections across the town, work to improve the energy efficiency of council houses, a review of waste management and recycling, more cycle routes and an investigation into improving bus services.

But Councillor Rackett said it was short on specifics.

He presented a letter to the mayor calling for realistic targets in six key areas including doorstep recycling of glass and metal and the replacement of bus shelters.

The council's Best Value Review, published last week revealed it had failed to meet its own target on recycling for 2002/2003.

Councillor Rackett said: "If we have no targets for introducing doorstep recycling of glass and metals, it will take even longer to introduce, and we will continue to bury large amounts of domestic waste in landfill sites."

He added there was no indication of the number of council properties to be improved with new insulation and double glazing and complained that many bus users had been left in the cold after shelters were removed.

He said: "If we are to improve public transport, we have to do things such as completing the replacement of bus shelters quickly.

"Some bus users, such as those who use a bus stop opposite Elim Church in St Albans Road, have had to wait nearly a year without a bus shelter.

"I have asked the mayor to look at six new targets. It should be possible to come up with answers in just a few days, and then the council can get down to work on these issues."

Mayor Thornhill responded to the criticism by promising real action on environmental issues.

She said: "In the last year, the new Liberal Democrat administration has introduced more measures to protect and enhance Watford's environment than anything ever done before by the council.

"During the coming year we will be doing a significant study of the environmental issues so we can take this further.

"I shall be writing back to Councillor Rackett with the replies to his questions. I think he will be surprised and should be pleased with my response.

"My administration has a total commitment to taking this seriously and introducing positive measures."