HOUSEHOLDERS who want to get rid of furniture, fridges and carpets will have to pay in future.

Residents who want Chester-le-Street District Council to collect bulky items from outside their houses will now have to pay £5.

Councillors agreed to the move after learning how popular the service had become and how expensive it was to operate.

The council will continue with free collection of up to six bags of rubbish once every four weeks .

More frequent collections will be charged at £5 for up to six items.

Payments should be made either in person at the Civic Centre, by post to Sacriston Depot or on the payment line on 0191-387 2390 for debit or credit cards.

The civic amenities service can be contacted on 0191-371 1040