HOUSEHOLDERS in Ryedale have been assured that a service to dispose of old fridges and freezers will remain free of charge for the foreseeable future.

There had been fears that fly-tipping could increase across the district if charges were introduced to rid homes of the unwanted goods.

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

Concerns were voiced following EU rulings stating that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) will have to be removed from the insulation foam as from January 1.

At the moment only liquid CFCs must be taken out.

But Mr Brown said the council had no plans to introduce fees to cover costs incurred with the new regulations. He said: "At the moment we are certainly not charging for the removal of bulky items.

"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."

Mr Brown said that as far as he was aware the council had no policy to introduce a fee for removing the bulky items.

For further information contact John Brown on 01653 602821.

Updated: 11:52 Saturday, December 22, 2001