The newly installed unitary authority - Northumberland County Council - are scrapping the free garden waste collection service set up by the now defunct Tynedale Council.
In a letter dated 7 May 2009 from NCC, they explain that households in Tynedale will have up to 8th June 2009 to decide ( ... ' to give you some time to decide to consider whether you wish to subscribe to the service... ') whether to pay £20 (incl VAT) a year for the service or choose to have their green waste bin removed. Residents choosing to have their bin removed will revert to having to take their garden waste to the tip themselves.
The letter points out that prior to 1 April 2009, some District Councils charged more that £30 a year and that only Tynedale provided a free service. NCC are introducing this in order that 'this service can be provided in a consistent manner and to a uniform standard across the County.'
A letter is due to be sent to all residents from NCC outlining these plans in more detail.
Watch out for more like this.
