A PAPER recycling bin in an area of Stourport on Severn is a "tragedy waiting to happen" and should be removed, a councillor has claimed.

Councillor Jamie Shaw said a repeat of a tragedy last year in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, when a youth burned to death in a similar skip after a friend threw his cap and bike in, could happen in the town.

He is calling on Wyre Forest District Council to remove the metal container from the car park of the Walshes Community Centre, Areley Kings.

He said the problem was youths vandalising the bin, particularly damaging the lid to try to get inside.

Neighbourhood Warden, Naomi Lewis, has been concerned for some time because children have been getting into the bins and throwing out all the papers.

The neighbourhood warden supervisor, Kate Foxall, said: "She has been worried they would set light to it and has even been up to the school to talk to the children about it."

Councillor Shaw added that although the bins on the Walshes had not yet been set alight, youths had been lighting fires nearby.

He said: "One of them was on the play area right next to the car park where the bin is. It is just a matter of time before they set fire to one of the bins."

He added that although one bin which had had its lid broken was to be replaced following his plea, the problem would not go away.

"At least this will prevent anybody getting inside but this is a recurring problem," said Councillor Shaw. "The only way to remove the potential danger is for it to be taken away completely."

He added many nearby households on Hermitage Way now had a kerbside recycling service with others about to come on-stream later this year, rendering the recycling bin redundant.

He said: "We surveyed the households and most of the residents want the bin removed because of the nuisance.

"I have asked twice at council for this and written to the portfolio holder and chief officer for cultural services because of the potential danger."

Andrew Dickens, head of cultural services, said the recycling contractor had now been asked to ensure the bins were locked once emptied.

"Obviously, we can't be complacent but we have had no evidence that the locking lids are actually being broken," said Mr Dickens.

He said the policy on the "bring sites" was to be reviewed later this year, when the new kerbside collection service was introduced.