THE first collections as part of a new garden waste collection scheme in Tendring have taken place.

Tendring Council’s waste and recycling contractors Veolia visited 254 homes across Clacton last week – picking up 8.24 tonnes of garden waste that will be recycled into compost.

More than 80 homes were visited in Frinton and Walton on Tuesday, with another 2.1 tonnes collected.

The council now has about 700 residents signed up for the service, which is being rolled out as a two-year pilot project initially in the Clacton, Frinton and Walton areas.

Wheelie bins were delivered to those who have taken up the opportunity and it is hoped it is just the start of the initiative branching out around the district.

The pilot project will involve 25 fortnightly collections per year and garden rubbish will be collected from wheelie bins.

There will be an initial one-off charge of £25 – to include the delivery of the wheelie bin - along with a £50 annual subscription.