HOUSEHOLDERS have been assured that a service to dispose of old fridges and freezers will remain free of charge.

Concerns had been voiced that fly-tipping could increase across the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire if charges were introduced to rid homes of the unwanted goods.

But Ryedale District Council's environment and recycling officer, John Brown, said the authority had no plans to bring in charges.

He said they would not be introducing fees to cover costs incurred with new EU regulations.

"At the moment we are certainly not charging for the removal of bulky items," he said.

"The only annoyance for householders in Ryedale is that there is a six-week waiting list. People have to be patient but we will get to them."