The council have officially unveiled new “robo-bins” which they hope will combat the borough’s litter problems.

Eight self-compacting rubbish bins have been operating in seven Enfield parks for the past two months - Trent, Broomfield, Groveland’s, Oakwood, Town, Aldersbrook and Forty Hall.

The “Big Belly” bins automatically detect how full they are and crush their contents to create up to five times more space.

The technology means the bins don’t need to be emptied as often and are less likely to overflow. They have a green, amber and red light system – when they are getting full, an amber or red light comes on and a warning email is sent to the council, who come to empty it.

People walking their dogs and playing with their children in Aldersbrook on Monday morning gave their opinions on the new bins, with some praising them for encouraging cleanliness, but others worried less regular collections could cause a stink.

Dog walker Andrew Stavrou said: “It seems like a good idea. There are some people always around cleaning up, so having more and better bins will help that cost.”

Lawrie Cook, who was playing in the park with his four-year-old son Theo, added: “When there are a lot of people in the park the bins can fill up quite quickly, so more bins are always a good idea.”

Lucy Grummell, who goes to the park regularly with her two-year-old daughter Annie, was less sure. She said: “They sound quite expensive, it’s the sort of thing that should be up to the people in the park.

“It’s hard to know the benefits, it could be worse if they are not emptied regularly, it would still have to be often.”

Pauline Nutkins, secretary of the Friends of Aldersbrook Park, said the park had suffered a rubbish problem for a number of years and was pleased with the action taken by the council.

She said: “It’s a brilliant idea. The park was refurbished last year but when it first opened, there was rubbish everywhere.

“The fact a new bin is here clearly helps, and people have been made aware, bin your rubbish or take it home.”

Cabinet member for environment Cllr Daniel Anderson said the bins, which are being rented by the council, are large and enclosed enough so the larger amount of rubbish will not smell, even in summer.

He said: “There is added public interest as they look like quite interesting contraptions. If it works, we will extend it across Enfield.”