ABERYSTWYTH town centre residents have been told it is up them to make a success of a trial involving communal bins to help rid the streets of seagull-strewn food waste.

The new trial, which will see communal bins provided for residents living on the west side of North Parade, started on Monday, 6 August, and will see bins put in place on Monday evening to be filled before collection and removal on Tuesday as part of the routine waste collection service.

The first week of the scheme was hailed a success by local councillor Ceredig Davies who said it had led to a major improvement in the cleanliness of the street, and was welcomed on Cllr Davies’s Facebook page with residents from other areas saying they would welcome similar arrangements.

But the council has insisted that the trial will only succeed if residents use the bins as intended.

A spokesperson said: “Ceredigion County Council is working with Aberystwyth Town Council and other key stakeholders, including Aberystwyth University and landlords, to try and improve waste presentation and reduce waste-related issues in Aberystwyth town centre.

“A pilot scheme, Caru Aber, has been developed and the first stage was introduced in North Parade on 7 August.

“Communal bins have been placed on the street in time for the normal waste collection service and will be removed immediately after being emptied.

“In this way, it’s hoped that the bins will act as a deterrent to seagulls without attracting fly-tipping or increasing other waste-related issues.

“At the end of the day it’s the behaviour of the residents that will determine whether or not the pilot is a success.

“Residents in the pilot scheme area are encouraged to use the bins properly and make the scheme a success so that it can be rolled out to other areas where it might be suitable.”

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