A TOP Ceredigion councillor has rejected calls for seagull-proof bin bags after a successful trial in Pembrokeshire, the Cambrian News’ Keep Aber Tidy Campaign has found.

Aberystwyth businesses and environmental groups have supported calls for the introduction of the bags in the town after Pembrokeshire County Council decided to make them available for purchase following a successful joint trial with Tenby Town Council.

Costing £5.30 each, the bags, which can hold two to three black bags inside and have a weighted base to stop them blowing away once emptied, feature a Velcro lid to stop birds and animals gaining access, and handles to help carry the bag to the kerbside.

Aberystwyth hotelier John Evans, owner of Yr Hafod Guest House, South Marine Terrace, said such a scheme would help put an end to strewn refuse.

“Pembrokeshire County Council and Tenby Town Council appreciate that litter generated from household refuse has a negative impact on tourism and the lives of residents,” said Mr Evans.

“More importantly, they have had the common sense to resolve this problem by introducing seagull proof refuse bags."

But Cllr Alun Williams, Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet member for waste, has resisted the calls, claiming the separate collection of food waste should negate the need for such bags.

He said: “There’s nothing wrong with this as an idea and I hope it helps in Pembrokeshire, although hessian sacks can themselves easily end up being blown around the streets after use.

“Ceredigion is always open to new ideas but the current approach is to encourage residents to make full use of the weekly food waste collection."

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