A Harrow woman says a New Year council scheme to save residents money is “ludicrous”.

Gillian Royal, who lives in Rayners Lane, was left confused when she noticed that Harrow council’s website had charged her more for a garden waste collection service, despite advertising it at a 10 per cent reduced price. 

A leaflet from Harrow Council advertised their garden waste collection from April 2017 – March 2018 for £67.50, if paid in January.

The usual price is £75 and the leaflet encourages people to “bag a bargain”.

Ms Royal said: “It is totally wrong and misleading. I bought the service this month so I wouldn't miss the deal. I emailed Harrow Council and called them. The woman on the phone told me it was only £65 if I set up a direct debit. But there’s nowhere on the leaflet to tell you that. It is ludicrous.

“The £7.50 difference isn’t much but its £7.50 for everyone across Harrow who has signed up to this, thinking they were only paying £67.50.

“My colleague in work said she signed up and I asked her what she paid, but she wasn’t sure. People need to know about this.”

She added that she gave up recycling food waste, as the bin men used to throw the bin back into the garden, rather than returning it. 

Councillor Graham Henson, the environment, crime & community safety portfolio holder said: "Thousands of people have already taken advantage of our great January sale, and we encourage everyone to grab this great offer before its gone.

"Every sale has terms and conditions, and anyone who feels misled can easily get a refund.”