The chairman of a group responsible for installing a 'Dalek' bin next to a war memorial in Buckinghamshire has defended it as 'environmentally beneficial'.

A solar-powered compactor bin designed to collect data about rubbish input was temporarily installed on The Causeway in Marlow last week by the Environment Action Group of the South West Chilterns Community Board - and caused a near-immediate outcry from residents in the town.

Buckinghamshire Council said the bin, which is designed to take up to six times more waste than its conventional counterparts, is being trialled around the county and will remain on The Causeway for approximately three months.

It has drawn flak from some passers-by, however, because of its placement next to the town's Grade II listed war memorial, which dates back over 100 years.

Arif Hussain, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Communities said the bin was installed to improve waste disposal in the area, with the location of The Causeway chosen because of its propensity for "excess littering", particularly on market days.

READ MORE: Residents slam Russian tycoon's 'excessive Berlin Wall fence' in quiet Bucks village

He added: "The results of the trial will be discussed at a future meeting of the Environment Action Group. The meetings are open and local residents are welcome to give their views."

South West Chilterns Community Board chairman Mark Turner defended criticism from residents by emphasising the eco-friendly construction of the new installation.

He said: "The solar waste bin has many benefits including reducing the frequency of waste collections, hence costs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and keeping the area cleaner."

It comes after several residents in Marlow hit out at the new bin, with Michael New OBE comparing it to a Dalek, the extra-terrestrial mutants of BBC's Doctor Who, and accusing it of "desecrating the view of the Cenotaph".

Political journalist Simon Walters shared a similar view, describing the bin as a "monstrosity" and adding: "It beggars' belief that anyone could think this is appropriate. It even has a flashing blue light which reflects on the memorial in the evening.

"By all means, have a rubbish bin - but not where it ruins one of the most dignified and prettiest parts of the town."