Gardeners are being encouraged to sign up to a waste collection service in a bid to keep their borough clean.

Around 30,000 people currently make use of the scheme, which is run by Harrow Council.

It sees garden waste picked up and recycled, with 6,000 tonnes reused for a variety of things, including compost for more gardening.

The council said it uses the money it saves for a number of good causes in the borough; such as filling in potholes, keeping rubbish off the streets and helping vulnerable people.

New collections get underway in April and those behind the programme want as many people as possible to sign up.

It costs £75 for a year’s subscription or £40 for six months. This is reduced to £25 and £15, respectively, if on council tax support.

Those who signed up last year on a direct debit need not do anything – their payment method will automatically renew and collections will carry on as normal.

Visit www.harrow.gov.uk/gardenwaste for more information.