Bins around Largs aren’t keeping out rats and gulls, despite the council’s insistence that they meet EU standards Last month we reported that the council was satisfied that the design of the bins along the prom was fine as they met EU regulations.

However, community councillor and campaigner Ian Murdoch was less than impressed by the response, stating that ‘the rats and the seagulls do not recognise european standards’.

Mr Murdoch raised the issue at Largs Community Council, criticising the council for having bins which are ‘not fit for purpose’.

He said: “We have a real problem with the bins and we need rat and seagull proof bins. They are not fit for purpose and, if the bins [which keep out rats and gulls] are not available, surely they can be commissioned.

“They have new bins with letterbox style flaps along the prom itself, but new bins for the Main Street which are circular.

“Bins should not be accessible to rats, but the bottom of the bins are just that. You could fly a 747 through these bins.

“Councillor McLean got onto the council very quickly last time, and they were down to put poison out the next day.

“The bins are not fit for purpose.” A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We are liaising with litter bin manufacturers to establish if there are bins on the market that may provide an improved deterrent to seagulls whilst enabling visitors to readily dispose of litter.”