MADAM – SDC has (quite rightly) introduced fines for dog owners who fail to pick up dog waste.

It is therefore incumbent on the council to provide bins for that waste in popular dog-walking areas as this encourages compliance.

In my experience these bins are not being emptied on a weekly basis.

The obvious blame lies with the waste contractor and their operatives.

Some blame lies with the council for not ensuring waste collection complies with the contract, and dog owners who fail to complain to SDC if they find the bins full.

I am not sure what Chris Harmer (letters April 9) expects dog owners to do, putting it in the car for disposal at home is not an option – would he rather the waste was not picked up?

I hope not.

Ultimately the council must ensure the service is fit for purpose so any ‘complaints’ must go through that channel, it is not a question of scapegoating.

Sue Hawking

Eastington