Residents need to take “a bit more responsibility” for their rubbish in order to prevent a fox “infestation”, was the message when councillors were asked if they thought wheelie bins were the answer.

After a suggestion from a member of the public during Wednesday’s area committee meeting that introducing wheelie bins would help prevent urban foxes being attracted to the area, Cllr Harold Moth blamed people “who leave their bins out overnight” for the issue.

Cllr Joyce Ryan said: “If you really want a wheelie bin you should buy one, I did and it is one of the best things I’ve ever bought. People need to take a bit more responsibility.”

Councillors agreed that an introduction of wheelie bins would prove very expensive and Cllr David Poole said: “I think residents on the whole don’t want them.

“If they were introduced it is likely to slow down the refuse collectors, who can clear a street in minutes.”

Cllr Nick Hayes, speaking at the meeting in Hainault Forest Community Association, Manford Way, Hainault, added: “I bought a wheelie bin and it has cleared the problem I had with foxes. As well as being expensive to introduce, it is not always suitable where homes are terraced.”