Solar powered ‘big belly’ bins will clean up Sidmouth seafront, cut costs – and even allow internet access so passers-by can learn about the town.

The district council has invested in 21 waste compactors for across East Devon, but with a capacity eight times that of a wheelie bin, finance bosses say they will pay for themselves.

The receptacles have a covered access point touted as seagull-proof and will one day broadcast wi-fi so the authority can share information on its services and resort attractions.

The system could also bring in advertising revenue to cut costs further.

Councillor Iain Chubb said: “This new type of bin is a very exciting departure for East Devon because they have so many benefits rolled into one deal.

“Not only do they reduce the amount of street furniture but they also limit scavenging by gulls and other pests.

“In these austere times, the ability to improve the service without increasing our overall budget is a definite win-win.”