AN online petition on the 'Change.org' website against the levy of an £80 charge to empty garden waste bills is growing in numbers.

The petition was launched last month by angry resident Arthur Findlay and has attracted more than 1,800 signatures and comments.

It says: "As residents of Thurrock, we are deeply concerned about the proposed garden waste collection charge of £80, set to come into effect in April 2024.

"This issue hits close to home for each one of us who tend our lawns and gardens and will be faced with this increase for garden waste disposal.

"We are already bracing ourselves for an 8% rise in council tax which includes charges for waste disposal.

"The introduction of a separate charge, no matter how small, would mean a double burden on every resident and homeowner in the coming year.

"This additional financial strain is not just an inconvenience; it is a hardship that will impact many within our community.

"It's important to note that according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Thurrock has a significant number of households living on incomes below average - this new fee could push them further into financial difficulty.

"We understand that local councils face funding challenges but believe there must be fairer ways to address these issues without placing undue burden on residents who are simply trying to maintain their homes and gardens responsibly.

"We therefore call upon Thurrock Council not only as taxpayers but as concerned citizens deeply affected by this decision, urging them reconsider this proposed charge.

"Please sign this petition if you stand with us in calling out against unfair charges and advocating for more equitable solutions within our community."

The petition can be found via this link: https://www.change.org/p/urge-thurrock-council-to-abandon-the-proposed-80-garden-waste-collection-charge?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_37919054_en-GB%3A4&recruited_by_id=bac0af70-eb38-11ee-b0fa-47eb3dcf2982&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=psf&share_bandit_exp=initial-37919054-en-GB