A council has defended its efforts to eradicate dog poo, despite complaints from residents.

Amid reports of increasing fouling of streets, Ashford Borough Council's environmental enforcement manager says the authority's efforts have been largely successful.

In response to a complaint from a resident, Mark Goodman wrote: "I can assure you your frustration is shared.

"We attempt to address dog fouling in four ways, education, enforcement, public reporting and cleansing.

"Our education strategy has been a success and has received positive feedback from residents and parish councils.

"Enforcement of dog fouling has proven very difficult. The majority of walkers pick up in the presence of others.

"There have been only a few fines issued in the last three years due to this. We have had walkers pick up foul with bare hands, handkerchiefs and a T-shirt to avoid a fine.

"If residents identify offenders, we conduct patrols and talk with walkers and confront the person.

"This is a constant problem but with our strategies and community support the situation will improve.

"And whilst the disgusting behaviour still occurs, far more people pick up their foul now compared with the past. We are improving."

Chloe Billingham, whose letter Mr Goodman was responding to, said: "The residential streets in Ashford around Coulter Road, Cuckoo Lane, Running Foxes Lane and Langney Drive are currently being blighted by shocking, inconsiderate dog owners who are leaving their animals’ mess all over the footpaths.

"This is getting so bad that it is becoming a real health and safety risk. Something radical needs to be done.

"Cute little cartoon notices are a complete waste of time. Locals are sick of it."

The area is certainly proving to be a hotspot, with another nearby resident writing to MP Damian Green and the police about the problem.

Maria Giovese wrote: "The horrendous problem of dog fouling is back in Washford Farm, Singleton and Chartfields.

"There is a huge pile of mess right outside the Wesley School this morning and, as a dog owner myself, I am disgusted to see more and more dog dirt being left right on the paths around Langney Drive, Cuckoo Lane, Coulter Road and Running Foxes Lane.

"Something radical needs to be done..."

"You have no idea how bad this has become in the last couple of weeks and I think the only solution is for CCTV to be installed and signs put up indicating that dog owners are being observed for failing to pick up."

The recent complaints come almost exactly a year after another resident of the town wrote a joke letter to Santa, asking people to pick up their dogs' mess.

Mr Goodman has said people can help combat the mess by reporting it on the council's dedicated reporting webpage.

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