Some people have had difficulties getting their new green bin subscriptions online in Harborough - here's the council's advice

A number of customers have been finding it difficult to take out their new green bin subscriptions online in Harborough this week.

The district council’s information technology experts are now working with the service supplier in a bid to make sure that the computer system works far more smoothly.

Problems have arisen as over 1,000 people across Harborough have already signed up to garden waste collections for this year since the new scheme was launched on Monday February 1.

“We are aware that a small number of customers have experienced issues with their payment.

“We believe this relates to when the customer is using older technology, such as Internet Explorer.

“We are working with our supplier to understand the issue in more detail and implement a solution,” said a council spokesman.

“We recommend, if possible, that customers use Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome or similar browser when accessing the website to subscribe.

“We have had lots of positive feedback from customers who are using the new system and would encourage all of our residents to try to subscribe online.

“We have some information on the website when people try to subscribe and will keep it updated with progress for the Internet Explorer users.”

You can find out more about the council’s garden waste service by visiting their webpage here: https://www.harborough.gov.uk/green-binThe council is working flat out to making online subscribing easier for customers weeks after the authority voted to hike the annual cost of getting your green bin emptied from £40 to £55.

Over 22,000 householders throughout Harborough will see their fees for April-November 2021 rocket by almost 40 per cent.

Cllr Phil Knowles, who leads the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, said when the controversial move was rubberstamped in December: “This is a seriously big price increase at a very tough time for a lot of people.

“I’m also very annoyed that this debate was held in private.

“It’s deeply regrettable.

“The people of Harborough should have been able to tune in and listen and watch this crucial discussion.”

But Cllr Phil King, the council’s leader, retorted: “This rise is very unfortunate but we have no choice.

“I realise that people in Harborough are not going to exactly welcome this decision with open arms.

“But financially we have to do it - there is no other way forward for us.”