THE number of households who have signed up to pay Blackburn with Darwen council's controversial £25 annual charge for green waste collections has risen to more than 14,500.

Borough environment boss Jim Smith revealed the rise in the figure in a special report to colleagues.

Tory opponents of the charge introduced last year have dubbed it the 'garden tax' and vowed to repeal it if they win power in next years local elections.

Cllr Smith said: "The number of subscribers to the green waste service has continued to increase.

"More than 14,500 residents have now signed up to the green waste collection service.

"As expected, green waste tonnages have reduced this year, however the quality has significantly improved, seeing greater recycling.

"The reduction in tonnages has been by approximately 20per cent when compared to the tonnage we received from 27,000 properties that had access to a green waste collection service last year.

"Work on developing the scheme for 2018 is underway, with prices remaining the same"