RUBBISH left piling up around Christchurch Quay is “becoming a health hazard”, according to the Christchurch Citizens’ Association (CCA).

In a letter to the chief executive of Christchurch Borough Council, David McIntosh, the CCA urged the council to immediately replace the bins it removed earlier this year.

It read: “The situation is now becoming a health hazard with litter piling up around Christchurch Quay and it cannot be allowed to continue.

“Visitors to the town are now saying they will not return to Christchurch because of the litter.

“There are large empty pizza boxes, food and dirty nappies strewn all over the Quay and asking people to take these items home is not acceptable.

“Christchurch Citizen’s Association would like to protest in the strongest terms to the present situation in our town and borough which cannot be allowed to continue.

“The bins must be replaced immediately as visitors and locals alike are all disgusted at what is happening.

“Please replace the bins and give us back the pride we have in our town.”

It comes as Christchurch council is set to continue the controversial trial it started in March throughout the summer tourist period.

A report to the policy and resources committee, which is due to meet on Wednesday , recommends that the trial removal of the litter bins from Christchurch Quay continues and is then re-evaluated in the Autumn after the busy summer months.

The report claims that the removal of the litter bins has not led to an increase in the amount of litter on the ground compared to before the bins were removed.

It also says that the council did receive a number of complaints about the scheme during the first month of the trial, but that these had “largely stopped” by the end of March.

Following the summer trial another recommendation will be made to the council as to whether litter bin removal should be expanded to other areas, kept as it is, or if the bins should be re-installed.

Since the bins were removed residents have snapped photos of dog waste bins crammed full of takeaway packets, plastic bags and other waste.