​A TRIAL of reusable seagull proof bags is to be carried out in Ramsgate’s Eastcliff as an alternative to black sacks.

Local residents have been campaigning for action to combat attacks on bin bags by birds calling for the introduction of seagull proof bags, made out of polypropylene, which will protect the black sacks.

On Thursday Thanet council’s ruling cabinet group agreed to a trial that will start in February and run to September.

The trial will include 220 properties in Augusta Road, Augusta Place, Truro Road, Artillery Road, Arklow Square, Shaftsbury Street and Balmoral Place.

Bags will still be collected every week.

The first bag will be provided free to each property, with one replacement free per year if the trial becomes permanent. Extra replacement bags will cost of £4.50 per bag.

Waste should be put in black sacks, tied at the top and put into the seagull proof bags, not put loose into the seagull proof bag.

Thanet council has introduced wheelie bins to 45,000 homes but has run out of money to roll out more.

In some areas, because of storage problems, wheelie bins are not practical.