SEAGULL-proof bins are to be introduced on Walney in a bid to lessen the impact of litter.

Numerous pictures have appeared online of rubbish left around by members of the public - and now action is being taken by community leaders to help tackle the issue.

Walney councillors have asked people to take more care with how they dispose of their rubbish and take it home if there is no bin to hand.

South Walney councillor Frank Cassidy said: “What people are really annoyed about is the litter surrounding the bins and the council is in the process of ordering seagull-proof bins to deal with this issue.

“I am grateful to Matt Blackburn of the Round House Hub and Cafe who has done a great job of keeping the area reasonably tidy.

“Last night local residents were out litter picking.

“We want everyone to enjoy Biggar Bank and the rest of Walney, but people should take their rubbish home with them.”

Regular litter picks take place on Walney as a lot of rubbish is washed up on the beaches and blows across the island, and many residents work hard to keep their environment clean.

Helen Wall, a councillor for South Walney, said: “People just do that sort of thing and I don’t know why they think it is acceptable to do this. They must think there we have a world full of people to clear up that up.

“The town hall is not choc-a-block with people to pick up after them. It is people’s own responsibility to pick up after themselves and I don’t think we have enough education on this. We need to remind people what their civic duty is.”

It is a criminal offence for a person to drop, throw down, leave or deposit litter in a public place. It carries a maximum fine of £2,500 and can be tried in a magistrate’s court.