COUNCILLORS must be hitting their heads against a brick wall and wondering “why do they bother” after seeing a litter bin stolen from the same town centre location on two occasions in recent weeks.

Members of Chard Town Council’s Guildhall and amenities committee heard on Monday (August 3, 2015) night that the authority had spent – or, could it be called, “wasted” – more than £1,000 on replacing a litter bin in Fore Street three times.

Councillors heard that the bin – which costs £350 a time – near to the Co-op store was initially smashed up by vandals.

But no sooner had it been replaced and the new replacement bin was then stolen.

Another new bin was bought and installed and – guess what – that was stolen by thieves as well.

The council’s operations manager, Ed Ringwood, said that more than £1,000 had been spent on litter bins and they had gone.

“People are ripping them out and taking them away,” he told councillors.

It was suggested by councillors about putting in a CCTV camera or some sort of webcam system to either deter further vandalism and theft or to help identify culprits in the event of future incidents.

Anyone with information about theft the litter bins can contact Chard Town Council on 01460-239567 or speak to police on 101.