improvements to a household waste removal service are boosting efforts to tackle fly-tipping in Hartlepool.

Hartlepool Borough Council officials have expanded their collection service for bulky waste, reduced charges and cut waiting times.

They will now take away up to eight large items for £5, compared to four items for £6 previously and they aim to make collections within seven days instead of 14.

Denise Ogden, the council's environment manager, said: "Statistics show we are disposing of more bulky waste since the new arrangements were introduced.

"I'm sure some of these unwanted items might otherwise have been dumped, so it's obvious that the new, improved service is making a major contribution to our efforts to protect the local environment."

The service is also helping the council to dispose properly of increasing numbers of old fridges and freezers following the introduction of new EC regulations.

The council, which has entered into a partnership arrangement with Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland councils, stores the fridges and freezers at its civic amenity site in Burn Road before arranging for their removal by a specialist licensed disposal firm.

For further information about the bulky waste service contact (01429) 523333.