A MAN has called for the council to provide locking bins in the city to prevent bin liners being ‘ripped’ by gulls.

School caretaker, John Fowler, has said he has seen an increase of bin liners being torn apart by gulls in Worcester.

Mr Fowler, aged 50, said: “As a key worker I have to cycle through the city centre at 6am. Every week I see food scraps and packaging strewn about by the gulls.

“Since lockdown there has been so much rubbish everywhere from where the bin liners have been ripped by gulls. I sometimes chase the gulls away."

He added: “It’s kind of littering if the council cannot provide somewhere for rubbish to be stored safely.

“I imagine this has always been happening, this is not a new thing. I just think the council cannot keep up at the moment which is understandable.

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“If Worcester City Council are serious about reducing gull numbers they need to address this. Possibly by providing locking bins for residents and businesses.

“Taxpayers are paying for all the gull nests to be removed.”

Mr Fowler said he sympathises for the binmen, adding: “I do feel sorry for the lads who pick up the bins. If you walk past there, you’d think there were rats around.

“Just because we are facing something much bigger, we still need to do something about the gulls as they’re an issue. If we stop feeding them it will help.”

The keyworker has praised teachers who are on the frontline of the pandemic.

He added: “I don’t think anyone would go into work unless they have to.

“I am lucky because I don’t have to do what the teachers do. They have to come into contact with other people, whereas I don’t.

“I can go into work and wash my hands and look after myself. Teachers are the real unsung heroes, they are doing more than they should.”

A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: “We urge all residents who don’t have access to a bin to leave refuse sacks out first thing in the morning on their waste collection day, rather than overnight.

“The longer the sacks are on the street, the greater the opportunity for gulls and vermin to rip them open. We have cleared up all the refuse pictured and will continue to closely monitor this situation.”