New bigger user-and emptier friendly dogs loos are being trialled in Chelmsford after renewed complaints about hygiene and overflowing mess.

The new flip top wheelies were announced last week after residents near an Avenues play park were infuriated by a council dog loo overflowing with mess since before Christmas.

The revolting scenario was made worse when vandals set fire to the plastic bin.

People in Fifth Avenue say the dog loo had been piled up with excreta but not been emptied since before Christmas.

"The smell was revolting and a health hazard," said Mrs Anne Goddard on after the midnight vandal attack on Monday last week.

Ward council member Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes said:"I have told residents to call the council helpline if there are problems or me if they are not satisfied. I received no complaints from anybody on this occasion."

He added that only one member of the refuse department was willing to undertake the very unpleasant task of emptying the borough's dog loos. Public holiday and annual holiday substitutes were difficult to find.

Cllr Bill Horslen said: "We have raised our concerns passed to us by a disgusted public over the cleanliness of dog loos before."

Cleasing Department head Eric Burns said on:"We went in next day and cleaned up. A new additional bin with a special lid is being trialled there and we hope this will make things better for everybody.

"There are problems with emptying from time to time because this is not a popular job and Christmas did put things out but I assure people we are now up to speed again."

Published Monday, January 13, 2003

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