SEAGULL-PROOF bins could be heading to Irvine and Kilwinning if a new trial is successful.

Largs has become the first town in North Ayrshire to see new ‘big belly’ smart bins introduced on the seafront in a bid to tackle its problem with seagulls.

The town’s community council has long campaigned for better bins to deal with overspilling litter.

And now a four-week trial period has begun to see whether it will significantly improve the tidiness around the promenade.

North Ayrshire Council say after the trial they will assess whether or not the bins are value for money and if they will be introduced to other towns in North Ayrshire.

Irvine has had its own problems with seagulls in the past.

Last year, the Times told how pesky gulls were to blame for the delay of the £3.3million Vennel Gardens sheltered housing complex.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We have been working with Largs Community Council for some time to identify solutions to issues the town has experienced with seagulls.

“Initiatives have included the development of a poster campaign designed by local children and different types of bins.

“Following the trial period, we will consider whether or not the bins provide best value for money and a decision will be taken whether to take the bins on a permanent basis.”