A COUNCIL will charge residents £35 for the collection of garden waste.

Next year Rossendale Council will introduce a new fortnightly green waste collection service. This will be provided on a subscription basis and charged at £35.

The council said the move comes as a result of cuts introduced by central government and the decision by Lancashire County Council to reduce its support for recycling services by more than £500,000.

Rossendale Council had been one of the last councils in Lancashire to provide a free garden waste collection service.

Cllr Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations, said: “We have resisted introducing these charges however, regrettably we are now in a position where this is a decision we have to take.”

Items that can be put into green waste bins include grass cuttings, flowers and plans, leaves and hedge clippings.

Households will be able to share bins or find alternative ways to dispose of garden waste by composting.

The service will also include a reduced charge of £30 for additional bins and charities and communities groups are exempt.

The charges will cover a nine-month period from March 2018 to November 2018.

To sign up for the scheme visit www.rossendale.gov.uk/gardenwaste