A petition has been submitted to South Ayrshire Council in a bid to stop bosses buying more “vanity project” talking bins.
More than £400,000 has been spent by the council installing 80 talking bins – also known as solar compaction bins – on promenades throughout the area.
Each bin costs £5,300 and they were installed as part of a project to enhance promenades with a specific litter bin infrastructure brief to ensure ease of use for residents and visitors while still being vermin and bird proof.
Ayr, Prestwick and Troon MSP Siobhian Brown has called out the council for the “vanity project” which she said “feels wasteful”.
Petitioner Adrian Munn has exhausted the council’s complaints procedure in an attempt to stop more bins being installed but, in response to a Freedom of Information request, the council told him of the potential to order more in the future.
Sharing his petition online, Adrian said: “The complaints process is now exhausted, and the portfolio holder Cllr Kilbride supported the purchase.
“South Ayrshire Council will not rule out purchasing more talking bins and stated in response to a FOI in January, ‘There is the potential to order more in the future if there is a requirement. However, at this stage we do not know how many more are required.’
“Audit Scotland has already given South Ayrshire Council findings on their lack of focus in achieving Value for Money for residents. Talking bins are just another example.
“To have the petition heard I’m required to provide the name and address of 20 different households within South Ayrshire Council in support of the petition.”
SNP MSP Ms Brown said: “I’ve spoken out about the new talking bins being installed along our promenades.
“While the goal of South Ayrshire Council is to improve cleanliness, the high cost of this ‘vanity project’ feels wasteful, especially when we have more urgent local needs. This money should be spent on essential services, not unnecessary projects.
“There’s growing concern from local residents and one has started a petition to stop the local authority buying more. Please let Adrian Munn know if you want to support it.”
South Ayrshire Council was contacted for comment.
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