HI-TECH gull-proof ‘big belly’ bins could become a permanent fixture in the city centre if councillors give the scheme the green light.

The bins were recently trialled over the summer at ten locations in Worcester’s city centre, ending on Friday September 14.

Now councillors are set to consider if the bins are effective and whether to invest in them permanently.

They are due to be discussed at the next environment committee meeting on Tuesday, October 23.

Members will also consider the findings of a survey that finished on Sunday, September 23, offering members of the public the opportunity to provide feedback on the bins.

Each ‘big belly’ bin costs £28 per week to rent (not including the costs of staff to empty them) and can hold up to eight times more waste than standard bins.

A spokesman from Worcester City Council said: "The council needs to be sure that they are effective.

"Councillors will then consider the findings at the next environment committee and will make a decision then as to whether to invest in them permanently.

"They will also look at the positioning and quantity of bins, to see if changes need to be made.

"If they do give the green light for a permanent investment, the bins will be redesigned to include the city council livery and other features.

"Officers will recommend at or shortly after this meeting when the bins could be reinstalled, should councillors agree to invest in them in the long-term."

The solar powered bins form part of an on-going campaign to control the number of gulls in the city.

The sun’s rays charge a 12-volt battery in each bin, which in turn powers a compacting system so that more waste can be held.The birds are known to pull half-eaten food out of litter bins.

Gulls have long been a problem in Worcester, with numerous reports of the birds swooping to steal food from people.

Worcester City Council has tried a number of measures to reduce the gull population, including oiling eggs and replacing eggs with fake ones.