Seagull and rat-proof bins are finally being launched in Largs this week, after visitors were greeted by rubbish along the busy prom.

The 'News' understands that the new 'Big Belly' smart bins, which alert council workers when they are full, will revolutionise Largs seafront.

The bins, which should be installed later this week, are much needed after residents once again voiced concerns on Tuesday evening about the extent of the overspilling bins on the seafront, see photos by Diane Agnew.

The solar powered 'Big Belly' bins have a larger capacity, and compress waste, and alerts the council when full.

It is good news for the 'Please Don't Feed the Seagulls' campaign after the 'News' ran a successful competition, with posters going up around the town by winner Callum Ballantyne of Kelburn Primary.

Largs Community Council's Environments sub-group has supported the trial of new bins both for the promenade and Tron Place. They were shown the hi-tech bins this week by NAC, and it is hoped that if successful they will reduce the amount of waste around the town available for seagulls and other pests. A total of nine new bins are set to be installed.