HOW can companies refuse to snap up Preston council's latest promotion offer - to sponsor the borough's bins.

Council bosses hope to raise more than £5,000 from the project, which gives firms the chance to paste their advertisements on the town's rubbish bins.

The council has already been approached by a major, international firm which is keen to arrange for major companies and local businesses to sign up to see their name on the rubbish collection points.

Each bin will carry four advertisements, one on each side, as well as the name of the street on which it is situated.

Initially up to 20 bins will be placed along Friargate and Orchard Street.

A 'sample' bin is due to be presented to members of Preston's environment committee today (Thursday) Preston's Chamber of Trade is also planning a similar ad campaign, in conjunction with the borough's works department, promoting their joint Spring Clean operation.

They will plaster their posters on 32 bins and position them along Fishergate.

The council will use the new advertising space to promote its events.

A spokesman for the borough's cleansing department said: "The scheme operates on the same principle as the Adshel bus shelter advertisement.

"Existing bins will be replaced. Many of them are tatty and were due to be replaced but it will be at no cost to the council."

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