FREE seagull proof sacks are set to be handed out to businesses and residents in Whitehaven.

At a town council meeting last night (Thursday), members agreed to trial seagull and vermin proof sacks in a bid to tackle broken bags on the streets.

These will be available for residents and businesses within the Whitehaven parish. The first bag is free. 

The bags are reusable, so people's existing plastic bag should be placed inside and left at the usual collection point. The bag will be emptied by Copeland Council and returned as would a bin. 

The idea is the brainchild of town councillor Graham Roberts, who claims seagulls and other vermin often tear apart bin bags on the town's streets, causing litter problems.

At last night's meeting, he told fellow councillors the bags have "proved to be a great success" in other seaside towns such as Hastings, on the south coast of England.

He said: "I think the town council should take on board these issues of litter" as they affect local householders and businesses.

Councillors agreed unanimously to the move.

To receive a bag, people must show proof of their address or business.

The bags have been ordered and should arrive for collection at the Whitehaven Town Council office, at Whitehaven Civic Hall on Lowther Street, next week.

A spokesperson for the Town Council said: "We would like to thank Copeland Borough Council for their support in working together to achieve a cleaner Whitehaven."

At the meeting, councillors also raised a number of concerns about the state of Castle Park, and anti-social behaviour.

According to a town cleaning review, by Coun Carla Arrighi, a meeting is set to be arranged between Copeland and the town council to review the litter issues.

And Inspector Craig Lory, from Cumbria Police, said the police is increasing its presence in the park.

For details about the seagull proof bags, contact town council clerk Les Abrahams at clerk@whitehaventowncouncil.co.uk