Are Hunstanton’s new litter bins spoiling historic town’s promenade?

John Maiden, who is a member of the Hunstanton and District Civic Society, with the standard bins which are painted in the town's corporate colours. Archant

“Hunstanton deserves better” - that is a historian’s verdict on controversial new litter bins installed along a popular coastal resort’s promenade to help reduce litter.

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The new grey bins on the Hunstanton promenade which have caused a stir with people. Picture: Rebecca Murphy The new grey bins on the Hunstanton promenade which have caused a stir with people. Picture: Rebecca Murphy

John Maiden, local historian and member of the Hunstanton and District Civic Society, has said the large grey bins in the town - which can be found in groups of up to three - do not fit in with the look of the town.

He said: “A lot of people don’t think they look very nice. They don’t really fit in with the historical look of Hunstanton.

“We recognise the need for big litter bins. They are functional but they are not pretty.”

Mr Maiden said he would like to see the bins painted in the town’s corporate colours of dark green and gold, the colour scheme most of the standard bins are painted in, as it would be more aesthetically pleasing.

Beach goers enjoying the sunshine in Hunstanton. Picture: Ian Burt Beach goers enjoying the sunshine in Hunstanton. Picture: Ian Burt

He added: “The colours reflect the Victorian character of the town. Hunstanton deserves better.”

Councillor Ian Devereux, cabinet member for environment at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, said there is a “polarisation in opinion” concerning the bins.

He said a lot of bins were lost during the storm surge in 2013 and the council have been trying to restore capacity.

He said: “We try very hard to keep it a litter-free environment.

“We understand their [the historic society] point. We have taken it all very seriously.”

Mr Devereux added the council would continue to explore the options to provide tourists and visitors with the essential levels of waste management in an “environmentally sensitive manner”.

What do people think of the bins?

Regular Hunstanton visitors Keith and Jonnie Warfolk, who live in King’s Lynn, said: “I would moan if there were not any bins.

“They are there for a reason and as long as everyone uses them.”

Vic McCarthy, from Harlow, who was visiting with his mother Mary McCarthy, from near Ely, said: “I don’t think they look very nice. I think they look bulky and ugly and they spoil the promenade.”

Alan Collins, who lives in Cambridgeshire but is a regular to this part of the world, said: “What would be the alternative? Whatever was put there people would say was unsightly. You’ve got to have bins.”