RENEWED calls have been made for seagull-proof bags to be introduced in Aberystwyth after a number of streets were left strewn with rubbish again.

In particular, pedestrians and cars passing through Eastgate Street and New Street were left dodging rubbish on Tuesday, 9 January, after black general waste bags were apparently attacked by seagulls.

The town was plagued by similar incidents in the summer, when business owners claimed that streets were often left in an “embarrassing” state.

Speaking to the Cambrian News, one resident claimed last week’s mess was caused after council bin men failed to pick their rubbish up until after 4pm.

“My main concern is the seagulls,” said Shaun Russell Jones. “We are putting the bin bags out in the morning and they are not getting picked up until 4pm or 5pm when people are in work, giving the seagulls an all-you-can-eat buffet all day.

"New Street is renowned for being a dirty street and this is a shame because it not only provides the main access to St Michael’s Church, but it is a lovely little place central to town with lots of history.

“We follow the council’s guidelines online but we are left brushing and mopping outside the house each bin collection day.”

Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet member for waste, Cllr Alun Williams, ruled out the introduction of seagull-proof bags last April despite a successful trial in Tenby, Pembrokeshire.

Mr Jones disagreed with Cllr Williams’ previous assessment, claiming a “time window” for collection would help and that seagull-proof bags are a “no-brainer”.

“We live in old Edwardian houses with nothing but a small yard, so there is nowhere to put wheelie bins.

“And if we were to keep them outside the front, there would be nowhere for pedestrians, especially mothers and fathers with prams. So wheelie bins are not the answer."

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