A NEW hero in the battle to reduce garden refuse has hit the streets of Redditch.

Shredderman is a new and, more importantly, free garden waste service launched this week.

The initiative, by both the borough and county councils, is designed to reduce the amount of garden refuse taken to the household waste site or put in the bin.

More than 20 per cent of rubbish from an average household is made up of garden waste which could be put to use as 'soil conditioner,' according to a spokesman.

But with the new service, residents can call a number to organise a visit from Shredderman.

The waste is shredded and left with the householder to be used as mulch or compost.

Council environmental services manager Guy Revans said: "This is another step to reduce the amount of rubbish we send for disposal.

"You save a trip to the waste site and get a great product too - all for free."

To book a visit from Shredderman, call 0845 6021939 between 7am-5pm.