West Berkshire Council staff shortage responsible for overflowing dog poo bins misery

West Berkshire’s dog poo bins are over flowing because of a council staff shortage.

Dog owners have been asked to "take it home or find another bin" while the council recruits more people to deal with it.

Councillor Phil Barnett (Lib Dem, Newbury Greenham) tabled a question to the authority’s executive committee on Thursday night.

"Several bins are being overloaded on a regular basis and creates a smelly mess,” he said. "Can I have an assurance that the staffing issue will be resolved?”

In response, councillor Richard Somner (Con, Tilehurst South and Holybrook) said: "Collection of dog waste is carried out on a fixed schedule with some emptied more than others. Parks and open spaces under more pressure, more resource available.

"But staffing and recruiting issues have led to a minor disruption on the service.

"We are working to resolve the matter, but dog owners should take it home or find another bin.

"There has to be a level of common sense applied to find somewhere else to dispose of it."

He added that the pandemic had resulted in an unforeseen increase in dog ownership.