RESIDENTS are outraged by the discovery of mounds of canine excrement which has been revealed along public footpaths and walkways now that the thaw has started.

Masses of dog dirt has been left uncovered after the thaw of the snow along Oxbridge Avenue, The Old Railway Embankment and surrounding residential areas.

We have the thoughtless and inconsiderate dog walkers and owners to thank for this.

These people have been using our residential and recreational areas as an animal waste desposal site over the Christmas period.

Residents of Fairfield had been enjoying the crisp, blanket of pure white snow which has seemingly been hiding the dog mess over the last few weeks, but not anymore.

Some Fairfield residents are upset and angry that the once white roads and walkways have now thawed to form a muddy brown mess of dog muck. These areas have been abused and disrespected by walkers and owners of dogs and Fairfield is not happy about it.

Amelia Radley, 13, who walks to school along Oxbridge Avenue said:" It was difficult enough walking to school in the thawing snow and ice but now that there is dog poo everywhere it really is awful. I don't want to slip in it.It's disgusting."

The huge amount of mess has come as a shock to many of Fairfield's residents who have suddenly found themselves having to negotiate this brown mine field.

A furious Mr.Anthony Cowley, 83 said: "The dog mess is strewn in large quantities along our residential pathways and the embankment. I have a dog myself. I always clear up after her no matter what the weather.There is no excuse for this.It's a disgrace.Poop scoups are a pound from the pound shop and they give you bags with the device. People have just been lazy and selfish."

Failure to clean up after your dog is an offence. Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 authorised Council Officers can issue a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice to anyone that is seen to allow their dog to foul in a public place and not clean up after it.

Failure to pay the fixed penalty will generally result in prosecution that may lead to the offender being fined up to £1,000. There are plenty of dog waste bins located across Fairfield and therefore there is no excuse not to clean up after your dog.

If you would like to report a problem relating to dog fouling please cut and paste this link into your web browser: http://www.stockton.gov.uk/online_services/104906/104428/dogfouling/dogfoulinginstreet/?type=all