PEOPLE tired of dogs fouling a footpath say they are at a loss about how to tackle the situation.

The problem of dog fouling in Middleton St George, near Darlington, has been present for a few years and despite a campaign to resolve it, local people say it is worse than ever.

Darlington Borough Council installed ten dog litter bins in the village this year after villagers expressed their concern.

But Lilly Ashton, of Dinsdale Court, said she spoke for all the residents when she described the problem as getting out of hand.

She said: "It is absolutely disgusting. There are just piles of dog muck on the paths where we walk and where schoolchildren go."

Villagers have long tried to beat the problem, with the village's Community Partnership running a campaign to get dog owners to clean up after their pets.

A meeting with the borough council led to litter bins being placed on identified dog walking routes, but Margaret Clemence, chairwoman of the partnership, said they were not working.

A spokesman from the council's environmental services team, said: "If residents feel these bins aren't being used then a uniformed dog warden can be called upon."

Wardens can issue £50 fixed penalties for dog fouling.

If residents want to see a warden on the streets they are asked to telephone (01325) 346831.

For comments about the waste bins call customer services on (01325) 388777.