HOMEOWNERS say they fear there will be a rise in flytipping and bonfires if the council presses ahead with plans to axe its free garden waste collection.

Colchester Council is looking to start a subscription service for fortnightly collections as part of plans to balance the books.

If given the green light a new yearly fee of £50 will be introduced - equivalent to less than £1 a week.

The scheme, which will be named Garden Club, would see residents have to fork out £25 for each 240-litre brown wheelie bin and membership.

Residents will be able to cut the cost by joining with a neighbour.

Those who choose not to sign up would have to take their garden waste to a recycling centre.

Residents can also get a cheaper compost bin via the council or join a community composting scheme.

A poll by the Gazette found only 17 per cent of 363 people would be prepared to pay.

Concerned residents say they fear it will spark flytipping and bonfires.

Penelope Culverhouse said: “Composting is a great idea but often attracts rats. I think this will sadly mean more bonfires and flytipping.”

Victoria Emily added: “This is a great shame, but doubtless merely a scratch compared to what we’re going to feel over the coming years. I too worry about the fly tipping.”

James Read said: “People will burn it then, watch Colchester’s carbon footprint go through the roof.”

In a report, set to go before councillors next week, an increased risk of flytipping was highlighted.

As part of the announcement Martin Goss, the council’s waste boss, said: “Many councils give residents no choice at all, but we have worked hard to develop a range of options for residents.”