SENIOR councillors are to consider plans to introduce an annual £35 charge for the collection of green bins.

The proposals, which would affect 68,000 households, are due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting at the town hall next Wednesday.

The current kerbside collection costs about £900,000 a year and council is trying to find savings in the face of more budget cuts.

Residents who want their green bin collected - between March and November - would be asked to pay £35 (£1.75 per collection) or £30 if paid online (£1.50 per collection).

In a report to cabinet, strategic director of environmental and trading services at St Helens Council Paul Sanderson wrote: "This should realise income in the region of £510,000 (based on 25% take up at £30), but this will depend on participation rates.

"The subscription period will run from 5 June 2017 until the end of May 2018 with a winter break December, January and February when no collections will take place."

More to follow