PEOPLE are being warned not to use unauthorised clothes banks that have been left around Swindon.

Central Swindon North Parish Council says several have been put in Penhill and, most recently, at the Circle in Pinehurst.

Estate management Andrew Briggs for Central Swindon North Parish said: “Over the last couple of months, three different bins have been left within the parish but haven’t been authorised.

“When you contact the information given from the charity it claims to represent, the number and email don’t work, which leads us to suspect it’s not real.

"So the items donated are not going to where they’re intended.”

The bins, which request clothes and shoes, are being left in areas where there is a high footfall.

Mr Briggs added: “We’ve been getting them removed as quickly as we can.

"The bins are probably only going to be used once but they’re being put out early in the morning.

“We need the public’s intelligence so when residents notify us, we can take action and secure it.”