Porthleven to trial seagull proof rubbish sacks (From Falmouth Packet)

Porthleven to trial seagull proof rubbish sacks

12:03pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News

Porthleven is to trial a new type of rubbish sack that claims to be seagull proof.

The port is one of just five areas in the county that has been chosen to test out the sacks in a three-month test. Residents in selected streets will be given the sacks for free and asked to fill in a questionnaire to give feedback on their success.

The sacks will be judged on how well they deter seagulls and how easy they are to fill and empty. Cornwall Council wants to test the success of the sacks, which could be made available for residents throughout the county to buy. Makers of the reusable sacks claim that they are made of a material that prevents seagulls, rats and other animals from getting inside to the rubbish.

The large sacks can hold two to three black bin bags. Ties on the top mean the sacks can be attached to a gatepost or fence to stop them blowing away. Porthleven has a longstanding problem with uncovered bin bags being ripped open and the rubbish spread over the pavements.

As recently as July the town council heard complaints that in the Elliston Gardens and Thomas Street area the walkways and sides of the road were regularly strewn with household waste and even animal faeces, sitting amongst piles of cat litter.

The issue is not confined to these roads, however, and the council has attempted to find a solution on a number of occasions, even producing leaflets and posters warning people not to feed the seagulls that are thought to be the main culprits.

Cornwall Councillor Andrew Wallis, whose electoral division Porthleven falls within, has been pushing for the council to provide the bags that he claimed had been “sitting on the shelves”, not being used.

The council had finally agreed to let Porthleven trial them, along with Looe, Newquay, Polperro and St Austell . Mr Wallis said: “I'm going to get 300 bags for a trial period, to see how well they work. There's a possibility of people getting them free or at a reduced price if the trial is successful.”

Although he had “a few streets in mind” to trial the bags, he would consult with the town council before letters were sent to residents in the selected areas. Those taking part will get to keep the bags, as long as they send back the questionnaire.

The trial is due to start within the next two weeks.