A GROUNDBREAKING scheme to help combat litter in Southampton is being pioneered by residents of a city housing estate.

Green-minded locals living in Cheriton Avenue have placed stickers on their wheelie bins inviting people to use them as impromptu litter bins.

The scheme is the brainchild of local resident, Matt Probert. It's an attempt to solve the problem of children dropping litter in the areas where they play.

He said: "Even though resident's waste bins were around, the children were not using them for litter."

Residents are displaying stickers on their bins stating "You are welcome to use this bin".

A letter explaining the scheme and a sticker bearing the winning design will be delivered to residents in Cheriton Avenue asking them to display the sticker and take part in the scheme.

Harefield councillor Royston Smith added: "I am very optimistic about this scheme. Any idea that encourages, and gives people the opportunity to dispose of their litter in a responsible way has to be a good thing.

"If the pilot is a success, I would like to see similar schemes rolled out in other areas of the city."