THE satirical tale of a bin fenced off for improvement works has become the centrepiece of a campaign to raise awareness about mental health.

The bin, now affectionately named Eric has been fenced off as part of works Essex and Suffolk Water is undertaking in Spa Road, Hockley.

Residents across Hockley have rallied to support Eric, however, his meaning is more important than to just air the community's frustration at the lengthy works that have been taking place in the town.

Essex and Suffolk Water have confirmed that the works are on schedule to be completed by the agreed date, Monday August 27.

Simon Harris, who created the story of Eric the lonely bin, said: "It may just seem like a silly tale but there is a serious point behind it.

"I have been working with a number of others in the community and Essex County Council to raise awareness of mental health problems in adults.

"A primary objective of the story is to warn people that loneliness is increasingly becoming a bigger risk to people's lives.

"What started out as a joke, now has a serious moral."

A Facebook page, 'The Loneliest Bin in the World, Hockley, Essex' was created in tribute to Eric, and has seen a huge reaction from Hockley residents.

The story about Eric, said: "Apart from the occasional empty Dr Pepper can from one of the digger operators, he remains isolated and desperate for human contact.

"A handful of passers-by have tried lobbing their rubbish from a distance, but each missed shot against his metal frame has been like a hammer blow to Eric's already battered morale."

After hearing about the page, workmen on the site in Spa Road moved the fencing around the bin in order for members of the public to gain access to Eric again.

Mr Harris added: "One of the workers got wind of the page and said they were going to do something to get it sorted."

The bin has been returned to its original use, and Mr Harris said that it will remain as Eric.

After hearing Eric's tale, a spokesman for Essex and Suffolk Water said: "Thanks to everyone who made us aware of Eric's plight.

"We're pleased to see he is now free and able to serve the local community again.

"Our work on the road is due to be finished on Monday August 27 and we'll make sure the area is left nice and tidy when we're done!

"We look forward to hearing more from Eric soon!"