PROPOSALS to charge Rossendale householders with gardens for the collection of ‘green waste’ have been approved by the borough’s full council meeting.

They will face an annual charge of £35 for the first brown bin and £5 for each additional one.

The change, initially recommended by a cross party working group, will save £130,000 a year on the council’s waste collection and recycling budget.

It’s operation will be reviewed after a year.

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

Cllr Jackie Oakes, portfolio holder for operations, said: “The council has had to look at different options because of the tough financial challenges we are faced with.

“This is certainly not something we would want to do in normal circumstances but the reduction of funding from both Lancashire County Council and the Government leaves us with little choice.

“It was a difficult decision and one that was not taken lightly. I am pleased though that all parties of the council have had mature discussions about this and looked at every option in detail.”

She added: “I would like to stress though that Rossendale Council is not doing this to make money. It is simply the only way we can keep it sustainable in the future and is also about making sure we deliver an efficient service to the people living in our borough."