A CAMPAIGN urging dog owners to pick up after their pooch and dispose of the package in the nearest bin, is underway in the Vale.

The Vale council said it hopes the message will hit home with those who 'let their dogs down, by not picking up'.

Previously, dog owners had been asked to dispose of their animal's waste in specific bins, but the new campaign says they can now use any bin - providing the waste is in a bag.

Vale cabinet member for visible, leisure and regulatory services, councillor Gwyn John said: “Dog mess is not only unsightly, smelly and a potential health hazard; it’s also illegal not to pick up after your dog."

But residents, commenting on the Barry & District News site over the issue have hit out at the local authority for not providing enough public bins.

Paula Harvey said: “I hate seeing dog mess lying around. But often I have to walk for ages to find a bin. I'm usually with a 10-month-old baby but carrying a bag of poo. I could take it home.....in my handbag? My pocket? Not hygienic either especially when looking after a baby.”

While Omar Gharbieh added : “Council has removed all the bins near White Farm and Merthyr Dyfan so what else do they expect?”

Cllr John added: “At present, the Council provides specific bins for dog’s mess in our parks and resort areas.

"However, we appreciate the need for dog owners to be able to dispose of dog’s mess in all areas, to ensure our streets stay clean, tidy and safe.

"The Council is about to launch an educational campaign, highlighting that dog owners can dispose of dog litter in normal bins, as long as it is contained in a bag.”