A ROW has erupted over the withdrawal of litter bins at an East Lancs reservoir after bags filled with dog poo were left on walls around the footpaths.

Shortly after Christmas, United Utilities, who own the land at Turton’s Entwistle Reservoir, removed six of the 10 litter bins that were situated around the three-mile long site.

The water company have said that the removal of the bins shouldn't affect dog walkers as dog poo shouldn't be placed in litter bins, but in the dog waste bins available at the site, of which there are two.

However, walkers have complained that the removal of the six bins has resulted in dog poo bags being left in protest, and they are now concerned that the lack of bins will only increase the problem when the reservoir becomes more popular as the weather improves.

One concerned walker said: “I can’t understand why United Utilities they have decided to move the bins. What’s going to happen when it gets busier from spring?

“It’s a really popular spot for dog walking and picnics and already rubbish has increased. Dog walkers have been putting poo bags where the bins used to be in protest, but it’s disgusting.

“It’s been going on for weeks and there has been no clean up by United Utilities.”

Conservative Councillor for West Pennine, Cllr Julie Slater said despite concern over the removal of the litter bins, depositing dog poo where the bins used to be was a ‘disgusting’ and ‘concerning’ issue.

She said: “Since the withdrawal of the bins the problem with people leaving their dog mess in plastic bags on the side of the pathways has been horrendous.

“United Utilities originally put the bins there out of good faith but they were overflowing and they couldn’t afford to keep emptying them.

“I understand there’s a need for bins, but those people leaving the dog waste on the walls are lazy and are causing a potential health risk. They should take the poo with them to the next nearest bin.”

Executive member for environment at Blackburn with Darwen council, councillor Jim Smith, said that although he believes the bin withdrawal was a bit short sighted on United Utilities behalf, he thinks it’s up to the people to dispose of their own waste responsibly, and they shouldn't be using litter bins for dog poo in the first place.

He said: “It’s up to dog walkers to clear up their own mess. What are people thinking leaving their poo bags on the walls?

“If you take your dog up there and don’t remove your rubbish, what is that saying about the type of person you are?”

A spokesperson for United Utilities said that despite trying a variety of approaches to reduce litter, the amount left at Entwistle Reservoir has continued to increase significantly year on year.

They said: “We’ve found that more bins simply attract more litter so we’ve decided to try a different approach by reducing the number of bins available which we hope will encourage visitors to think more about what they bring to our sites.

“As a business that cares for the environment we want to encourage visitors to take their litter home with them.

“The two dog waste bins will remain where they are and we are liaising with the local parish council to ensure they are emptied regularly.”