SELF-EMPLOYED gardener Neil Tunnah says it is costing him money to work - so he has quit his business and signed on the dole!

The 25-year-old, from Windermere Drive, Bury, can earn £50 a day tidying local gardens but claims it will cost him more than that to dump the waste he collects.

Neil's "all work and no pay" dilemma came about when local dumping sites run by the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority said he couldn't continue to tip for free and would have to pay £39.50 plus VAT to tip each ton of garden refuse.

"Some days I can collect as much as three tons of waste. Previously I was able to tip for free but now it is going to cost me money just to do my job. I would be working for nothing and I know there are a lot of other gardeners in the same position," said Neil, a single parent with a two-year-old daughter.

He describes the charges as "extortionate" but Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority say the charges are competitive and reasonable.

Neil believes that if the charges are not reduced, gardeners will be forced to dump their waste illegally or to claim benefit.

He added: "I'm not saying we shouldn't pay, but the charges should be reasonable, so that we can afford to continue to work."

Charges at Pilsworth landfill site are £80 for 20 tons, says Neil, but access is unsuitable for all but the largest vehicles.

Coun Richard Fletcher, who represents Bury on the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, says the charges have to be implemented.

He said: "With landfill tax and the budget as it is we have to charge these rates. They are very competitive and gardeners would find it hard to get a lower price."

A spokesman for the Authority said that individuals should contact them direct to discuss any problems.

"The charges are constantly reviewed, and we by no means have a monopoly on waste disposal," he added.

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