A NEW litter bin in Colchester High Street has been branded “hideous” by the city’s former MP.

The bin on the High Street, near McDonald’s, has a capacity of 240 litres, similar to a standard wheelie bin, and is about 5ft tall compared to typical bins which are about 3ft.

Colchester High Steward and former MP Sir Bob Russell said: “The traditional litter bin, smaller and less intrusive in the street scene with our coat of arms and the word Colchester, shows civic pride even with a rubbish bin.

“Contrast that with a monstrosity of a grey metal box, almost as tall as me, plonked on the pavement. No sign here of civic pride.

“This litter bin gets zero marks for aesthetics and total failure to recognise that this is a conservation area.”

He added: “I was told I could not have a bollard bearing Colchester’s coat of arms on the pavement behind the Twinkle Star statue further up the High Street to protect the statue from vehicles reversing into it because this would clutter the street.

“Yet this hideous litter bin is more than clutter - it is a visual outrage and represents zero civic pride.

Colchester Council has defended the new bin.

A spokesman said: "The new 240-litre compactor bin on Colchester High Street was installed to address the specific challenges of managing waste in a high-footfall area, especially outside a popular fast-food outlet.

“Traditional bins in this location often overflowed, resulting in litter and unsightly grease stains that affected the surrounding area, including the Twinkle Star statue and its engraved paving.

"The compactor bin’s increased capacity and containment of waste, like food grease, help maintain a cleaner, more pleasant environment and protect these important heritage features.

“While the bin’s design may differ from traditional styles, our priority was to balance the area’s historic aesthetic with the practical need for waste management.

"This compactor model was chosen to reduce litter and protect the heritage site from potential damage, ensuring a cleaner, safer space for residents and visitors alike."