NEW bin stores are going to be installed in the city centre in a bid to make Salisbury 'more attractive'.

Despite opposition from the city council, Wiltshire Council will begin installing 20 bin stores in the week commencing July 17 to "help keep pedestrian areas clear of commercial bins, reduce smells in hotter weather and make the city more attractive for locals and visitors alike".

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Businesses in Ox Row, Butcher Row and Fish Row will use the designated stores provided by the council which will be situated in the New Canal and on Queen Street so that the businesses will have access to it.

Cabinet member for street scene, Councillor Caroline Thomas, said: “It is businesses’ responsibility to ensure their bins are not left out on the highway, including pavements and walkways, as they are both unsightly and unwelcoming to locals and visitors alike.

“However, we recognise the challenges in those historic buildings where businesses have no access to private waste storage areas, be that on their own property or the previously available Market Place bin stores. Storing bins on Salisbury's narrow city streets is far from ideal, and so, we’ve taken this pragmatic approach to help businesses in the area by providing 20 bin stores for them to use, rather than using our enforcement powers.

“We have liaised with businesses in the area to work together on any specific bin storage issues they may have, and to establish the frequency of their bin collections, and we hope this approach will resolve the issues. However, we may use our enforcement powers in the future, if required – although this would be a last resort, following further discussions with the business.

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She added: “Businesses in the area will still have to store waste such as cardboard on their own properties, but by providing this bin storage, we aim to create a better environment for residents, visitors and shoppers and, in turn, help to boost local businesses in the city.”

Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Atiqul Hoque had previously expressed his concerns about bin stores stating that a permanent bin was asking for trouble and giving a free fly tipping option. Cllr Paul Sample had also opposed the idea. 

The businesses will take responsibility for keeping the bin stores clean.