MORE dog waste bins could be the answer to solving a problem with dog fouling in Barton.

In 2009 Neighbourhood Police in the estate vowed to tackle the issue, even posting graphic posters of dog mess to stop dog owners letting their pets foul in children’s play areas.

But officers and residents said the problem is still as rife as ever and, despite a call for more bins, it doesn’t appear any more will be provided.

City council press officer Louisa Dean told the Oxford Mail yesterday said: “We have carried out an assessment of dog fouling bins in the city and no more bins are going to be provided.

“We are reminding dog owners that ‘any bin will do’. If dog poo is double-bagged up it can be put in any litter bin to be disposed of. The dog bins are only placed in our park areas as this is where the highest concentration of dogs are.”

PCSOs have been patrolling Bonny Banks Park, Waynflete Road, and the Green Ridges area, at key dog walking times to catch irresponsible owners who fail to bag up and dispose of faeces..

Over March, April, and May the officers carried out four operations.

PCSO Luke Harris said the team had issued on £80 fine to an owner in Henry Taunt Close who had failed to pick up after their dog.

They also praised 30 other dog owners who had cleaned up.

He said: “When we have stopped people we have been praising them and asking them what they think would help.

“There are only around four dog bins in the main areas people walk dogs. A lot of people have said more dog bins are needed. We have passed on these comments to the city council.”

Residents agreed dog fouling was unacceptable and needed to be tackled.

Pete Bowers, of Mather Road, said dog owners needed to take more responsibility. Mr Bowers, who regularly walks dogs Harry and Alfie around the estate, said: “We could do with a few more bins and people need to be more responsible.

“It’s not nice when it is all about the place, especially in parks.

“If it gets in children’s eyes it can make them go blind.”

Earlier this month Oxford City Council announced it was targeting Barton in its Cleaner, Greener campaign The campaign aims to improve the cleanliness of the neighbourhood by tackling recycling issues, reducing dog fouling and encouraging residents to clear up their gardens.

The Community Response Team will be in Barton between 10am and midday on Tuesdays and 6.45pm and 9.45pm on Thursdays to carry out patrols.