The district council says it is "hopeful" a high-tech bin worth thousands will be replaced by Christmas after it was destroyed by fire.

Bosses at Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) said last month how "angered and frustrated" they were when one of 12 brand new Big Belly Bins bought during the summer was targeted by suspected arsonists.

The state-of-the-art pieces cost the authority £83,000, which caused some backlash as residents claimed the money could have been spent elsewhere.

Solar-panelled technology sends electronic signals when they are full which are remotely monitored to be emptied - something the council argues will save time and money in the long run.

But one of the bins, which cost almost £7,000 each when new, was found alight in Folkestone Coastal Park, immediately below the Leas Cliff Hall, on the morning of Wednesday, October 24.

A council spokeswoman confirmed it is now working to get a new one installed.

She said: "We’re in the process of claiming on the insurance, so as soon as they approve the claim we will be able to order a new one.

"It does take time from ordering to delivery so it will be at least a few weeks, but possibly longer, depending on when we are able to place the order.

"At the moment, it’s looking like the cost to the council for the insurance claim will be around £500.

"The actual cost of replacing the bin is around £4,500 which is less than buying new because some of the initial cost was for maintenance, extending battery life and other things, but we are expecting the insurance to cover most of that.

"We are definitely hopeful it will be back by Christmas."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire was started deliberately.

Crews were called to the scene just before 6.15am and one engine was sent to extinguish the blaze.

The bins were introduced after a series of weekends where high numbers of visitors used the Green Flag park, which led to overflowing bins.

The council says it has no immediate plans to extend the use of the bins across the district but will be monitoring their success for possible future use.

CCTV in the area is managed by Folkestone Town Council, which was approached for comment about cameras in the area.

• Anyone with information about the fire should report it to environmental.services@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk