BARRY lanes full of abandoned fridges, old beds and bulky household goods are set to become a thing of the past.

A dramatic u-turn by the Vale of Glamorgan Council has resulted in the scrapping of the charge levied by workers to pick up large domestic rubbish.

Currently, the cost of removing big pieces of unwanted furniture and white goods costs between £7 and £15, depending on where the item is collected from.

But as from April 1, 2003, the service will be provided totally free of charge.

Labour councillor and long-time fly-tipping campaigner Rob Curtis welcomed the move.

He told the News: "Just under a year ago at a full council meeting, I spoke up for the people receiving benefits who struggle to pay the £7 standing charge for collecting each large household item from their homes.

"I also drew attention to the fact that car ownership in many communities in Barry was low, so making trips to the Sully depot was difficult.

I asked the leader of the council, Cllr Jeff James whether the council would consider abolishing or even reducing this standing charge.

Cllr Curtis added: "I was told that introducing price reductions for the special collection service would have little impact on reducing fly-tipping in the Vale of Glamorgan.

"Now I welcome this change in policy as a victory for common sense.

Under the old system, the Vale council was in effect rewarding the fly-tippers and penalising those residents who disposed of their rubbish in the correct way.

He concluded: "I am convinced that we will now see a dramatic fall in the levels of fly-tipping, thus saving money for the council in the long run.

It will have the added bonus of making our back lanes and car parks free of dumped household items.

"And now there is no excuse for dumping rubbish, I think the council should take a much tougher line on those caught tipping in the Vale."