Wroughton locals who seemed confused over what to do with their bagged-up dog poo after a bin was set on fire will be pleased to know it has been replaced. 

The designated area for dog waste on Inverary Road was set on fire earlier this year and removed by Wroughton Parish Council. 

But in the following months, residents living in the area had to make several complaints on social media after discovering that instead of taking their doggy-bags somewhere else, people were leaving them in the area where the bin used to be. 

Swindon Advertiser: The beginning of a 'pile-up' of dog poo where a bin used to beThe beginning of a 'pile-up' of dog poo where a bin used to be (Image: Stan Pinnock)

This meant that bagged-up dog poo to pile-up in the area.

The first complaint was in March shortly after the bin had gone up in flames, with one resident sharing a picture of roughly a dozen bags of poo in the space where the bin was. 

They added: "I really don't understand some people, it's bad enough that someone has burnt the bin at the end of Inveraray Road. But then responsible dog owners who pick up the poo leave it here like this!"

A few days later another resident shared an update to show that the pile had become significantly bigger. 

Swindon Advertiser: Lots of poo bags being left on the floorLots of poo bags being left on the floor (Image: Newsquest)

"I'm not sure who these dog owners are expecting to clear this away. It's one thing for a bin to be emptied, but for people to wilfully keep adding to the pile, that now needs to be disposed of is shameful," they said. 

"It's not as if this is the only bin in the area and when you take on a dog you also take on the clearing up and disposing of its waste, which means carrying out home with you if you need to."

This problem continued up until August when the Adver asked Wroughton Parish Council for an update on the bin's replacement.

A spokesperson said: "We are extremely disappointed with the vandalism of the original bin and this was reported to the police at the time.

"Since the bin was removed we have received various complaints of dog mess left at the same site, this is unacceptable behaviour of the public but also very hard to police.

"We encourage members of the public to report any dog fouling to Swindon Borough Council as and when they witness anything."

It also confirmed a bin had been ordered soon after the original was burnt but there was an 8 – 10 week lead time from various suppliers causing delays.

The Adver understands that the new bin has been installed, as of Friday, September 16. 

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20091/animal_welfare/849/report_a_dog_fouling_problem