Bin arson 'putting lives at risk'

The arson attacks on two bins followed a criminal damage spree last week in which another 14 had to be replaced.

A pilot scheme using 92 of the 3,200-litre kerbside bins is being run in 25 streets in Brighton and Hove.

The aim is to make it easier for residents to dispose of rubbish and stop black bags littering the streets.

Feelings have been running high since the trial started at the beginning of the month.

Protesters fear the bins are likely to be abused by fly-tippers, arsonists and other vandals and are therefore a danger to nearby homes.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of the environment committee on Brighton and Hove City Council, said of the latest attacks: "We are working closely with the police and are confident of identifying the perpetrator.

"We have evidence to believe these attacks were arson and not the activity of an opportunistic passer-by.

"We have been contacted by residents in the streets where the bins were set alight.

"Several told of an extremely anxious night waiting until the fire was under control.

"This is simply not on. The lives and property of residents are being endangered."

In the arson attack on Sunday night two bins were set alight in Montpelier Road and Denmark Terrace, near Seven Dials, Brighton.

One resident said: "I noticed the flames at about 11pm and we called the fire service immediately.

"The bin was blazing fiercely and burning rubbish was falling on to the pavement.

"I was quite scared because the fire was beside parked cars."

Last week 14 bins were damaged in Bath Street, Albert Road, Buckingham Road and Powis Road.

Anti-bins protester Tony Davies, 27, of Vernon Terrace, said: "I join Councillor Mitchell in deploring acts of vandalism by those against the communal bin trial. I suspect this is an unrelated incident but one which highlights the danger these bins pose."

Anti-bins campaigners have set up a web site at www.brightonbeautiful.com to highlight their concerns.