Fenland District Council is offering ‘early bird’ discounts for residents who want to go on having their garden waste collected next year.

From April 3, anyone wanting the council to continue to empty their brown bin will have to pay an annual charge of £40.

But they can save 10 per cent by signing up for the scheme between now and January 9. To get the discount they need to set up an annual direct debit online during that period.

If they subscribe after January 10, they will incur the full charge, payable by direct debit, cash, card or cheque.

For those signing up by January 9 there is also an option to pay the charge by direct debit in three instalments, with payments going out in January, February and March.

The £40 charge was given the go-ahead by Fenland District Council’s Cabinet in October.

The costs of the service will be funded directly by those subscribing and is expected to save the council about £500,000 a year.

For more information, click here.