WARRINGTON Borough Council has been accused of 'breaching human rights' over its charging policy for the green waste collection service.

The service started again this month, with annual licences available for £34, or £31 if bought online – £1 more than it did in 2017.

But Appleton parish councillor John Price has hit out at the additional £3 charge.

Cllr Price, who has been a parish councillor for 27 years, believes it is 'discriminating against the poor and elderly'.

He has been into Contact Warrington to contest the extra cost and is vowing to raise awareness on it 'on behalf of the elderly' in the town.

He said: "It is a breach of human rights.

“It makes you feel old and is unfair.

“I suggested last year that they do what they do in other places, a direct debit.

“But they have said that I have to pay the extra £3.

"It is not the £3, it is the principle

“It is like a 'wrinkly levy'.

“There are other elderly people who feel their backs are against the wall.

“Their own local authority is discriminating against them.

“I did not get what I wanted when I went into Contact Warrington but the staff were incredibly polite and understanding.

“I will keep fighting for the little old men and women in the town.”

The council confirmed that it 'has tried to support residents who do not have access to, or understanding of, the internet'.

A spokesman added: "In common with many services, a discount is offered for online transactions as there is a cost to the provider attached to purchases made over the phone or in person.

"Customers could subscribe to the scheme in libraries and Golden Gates Housing Trust offices.

"Here, staff would support customers to subscribe online reducing the cost to the online fee.

"Staff from the service held drop in sessions at both the Forge in Stockton Heath and Warrington Market, where staff had mobile devices to help with online subscription.

"From last year's subscription levels we had more than 88 per cent online and so far this year it's 92 per cent."

Last year residents across the town recycled more than 9,500 tonnes of green waste using their green bins.