PROBLEMS with fly-tipping could become a thing of the past with plans to introduce a free bulky waste service in a Teesside town.

Hartlepool Borough Council is hoping that by expanding its collection service, and making it free of charge, thoughtless residents will refrain from dumping old furniture and appliances around the town.

At this week's council cabinet meeting, members voted in favour of increasing the number of collection teams in the town from one to three.

And they agreed that the £5 charge for up to eight items should be dropped.

Mayor Stuart Drummond said: "We are looking to invest so that we have three collection teams and it will be a completely free service.

"It will hopefully tackle all this fly-tipping that is going on. It's quite a well-used service now, but there is about a three-week waiting list to have items collected.

"We are hoping that the extra two teams and free service will reduce the waiting list and prevent people from fly-tipping."

Members approved the idea in principle, but agreed to establish first where the extra £200,000 annual cost will come from.

Mr Drummond said: "I think it will be money very well spent and it will help to improve Hartlepool.