Essex County Council will suspend service membership to customers who do not clear their debts by 1 February.

Figures show 2,300 customers owe more than �15 each, while �89,000 is owed in amounts ranging up to �15.

Councillor Iris Pummell said: "Although individual customer's debts may be small, the total at any one time adds up to this significant amount."

She added: "The service is already facing budgetary challenges and the council has a duty to the people of Essex to manage debt responsibly."