TOWNSFOLK who haven't paid for their garden waste service could face losing their brown bins.

The garden waste collection service runs from March until November and costs gardeners £35 a year.

Refuse and recycling crews are now able to check on board their vehicle, using a computer programme, whether the annual payment has been received by the customer.

If it has not - despite the authority previously writing to this minority - then the bin will be removed.

Councillor Mark Bullivant, whose portfolio covers environmental services, said: “We used to issue stickers to show that a bin had been paid for, but it is more efficient to use our computer system so our staff can do on the spot checks.

“Our garden waste collection service is used by around 19,000 customers and is very competitively priced locally and nationally – and saves you a trip to the tip.

“Please make sure you have paid for this year – and that you renew your payment for 2015 - and carry on benefitting from this marvellous service.”

For more information call the council on 01527 881188.