HUMAN excrement repeatedly left in plastics recycling banks has forced a council to permanently remove the facility.

The banks in Bursland, Letchworth GC had been frequently vandalised since they were installed.

They were vandalised twice over the Easter period, once on Bank Holiday Monday and again on the May Bank Holiday last week.

Both times, human excrement was left behind. Previous attacks have included instances of people urinating into the banks and arson. The banks have also been found on several occasions to be contaminated by household waste and there have been instances of fly-tipping next to them.

North Herts District Council decided enough was enough and removed the banks on Friday.

Cllr Peter Burt, the portfolio holder for waste and recycling, said: “These are the reckless actions of a few mindless individuals. It is extremely disappointing that the banks continued to be attacked in this way as it spoils things for the majority of people who make the effort to take their recyclables along to the banks.

“Whoever carried out this latest disgraceful act of vandalism showed absolutely no concern for public safety, public health, or concern about the environment.

“Unfortunately council taxpayers were being left to pick up the bill for cleaning the vandalised banks, leaving the council with no choice but to remove them from the site.“