DOG walkers can now clean up after their pets without having to worry about overflowing dog poo bins along canal tow paths in Middlewich.

Problems have been increasing along popular routes in the town with full bins meaning pet owners were having to leave bags next to the bins or not bothering to clean up after their dogs at all.

The issue was discussed at last Monday's Town Council meeting and Ansa will now have a member of staff dedicated to the area, who, in addition to emptying the bins will also monitor them, checking and recording the contents.

The increased monitoring will continue for the next six weeks with changes to the emptying schedule being made as and when they're needed.

Clr Bernice Walmsley, who is a Middlewich Clean Team committee member, said: "I am very encouraged to see the corporation between Ansa, the Clean Team and the Town Council and feel confident that the proposal will result in an improvement in the problems we have experienced in Middlewich recently.

"It is amazing to see how many dog walkers we have using our lovely tow paths in Middlewich and encouraging to see how responsible the majority of these dog walkers are."

Clr Walmsley added: "It seem that we have a capacity issue, which will be thoroughly examined by the Ansa operatives.

"This process may see some bins being resolved or relocated so that the busiest areas can be serviced effectively.

"We have had lots of new bins recently in Middlewich, replacing small post-mounted bins or the dog bins, which have a small capacity and are difficult to empty."

Responsible dog owners are being asked to clean up after their dogs and if they find a bin that's overflowing, to take the bag to the next bin or dispose of it at home, before reporting the issue to Cheshire East Council.

Anyone wanting to report dog fouling issues should visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/environment/street_cleansing_and_litter