A gaping hole left in a food waste bin was apparently inflicted by a wild animal on the prowl for food scraps, a resident has claimed.

The brown caddies, freely provided by Merton Council to about 50,000 households, are designed to be animal-proof but this one was expertly carved open by a squirrel or a fox, according to Kishoree Modasia of Home Park Road, Wimbledon Park.

Mrs Modasia, who works from home as a business coach, said she was convinced an animal destroyed the hardened food container after she spotted plastic shavings nearby and, the next day, was shocked to see a squirrel dive in and out hunting for food.

She said: “The first time it happened I thought a fox had been chewing it. But then I was sitting in the kitchen and suddenly there was a squirrel going into that hole.

“Then it jumped out clutching a piece of food. I couldn’t believe it. It’s very unsettling to think an animal could cause this much damage.”

A spokeswoman for Merton Council said the caddies were made of “strong and durable materials with a reinforced hinged locking lid” that should protect food waste from wild animals.

“The council has had fewer than 10 complaints about the bins relating to squirrels or other pests.

“Having more than 50,000 food waste bins in the borough, this is not seen as a major issue or concern at this moment.

“Residents can request a new container if theirs has become damaged in this way.”

Last week, residents contacted this paper to complain that Wimbledon library had run out of replacement food waste bin bags, which are made of biodegradable starch.

The council advises residents to use a maximum of two bin liners a week, but replacements are available for purchase at libraries and at major supermarkets.

Charles Stewart from Raynes Park said: “It seems pretty poor the council can’t even keep a healthy stock of bin liners.

“How much are we paying in our rates? They need to pull their finger out.”

Click here for more information about where to buy replacement food waste bin liners.

What do you think of the brown food waste bins? Are you still yet to receive yours? Leave a comment below, call us on 020 8330 9532 or email: newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.