Dog Poo Bins

6th June 2025

Following a lively Wotton Town Council meeting on the 19th May, it became clear that there was a problem relating to dog poo bags and their inappropriate disposal close to Westridge Road:-

• used bags being left in the pony paddock (80 had to be cleared by the landowner)
• used bags being left along the length of the footpath
• used bags being left outside properties on Westridge Road

None of this is acceptable behaviour. Anyone caught will be subject to a fine not exceeding £2,500.

If you ever see a bin overflowing like this report it directly here which can, eventually, prompt a change in the collection frequency by Ubico, the contractor used by SDC.

A quick recce of the Westridge footpth route confirmed that the nearest litter bin was located at the top of Little Acre. That bin is poorly situated and is also at head height. SDC have already explored options to increase its capacity here, however due to the location and narrowness of the pavement they are unable to install a larger bin.

Ubico have now confirmed to increase emptying frequency with an operative attending 3 times a week

So I've suggested to SDC that we need to install an extra bin on this route. Of course there is litter bin policy for this type of request and SDC have to carry out a litter bin assessment. They consider a number of factors including litter levels, proximity to shops etc and how close the location is to any other litter or dog bins etc.

Additionally, I've asked for the bin close to Brown's Piece to be checked too (reports of lack of lid/damage).

SDC can only install/empty bins from public highway or council land and they need to ensure the location is easily accessible for their collection teams.

As bins cannot be installed close to the pony paddock I've suggested signage there instead, my colleague Cllr Gill Thomas has had success with this approach over in Minchinhampton.

Anyway, SDC have committed to carry out an assessment and feedback on whether Westridge Road would meet their criteria. Also, they will check the bin at Brown's Piece at the same time. (Which when I checked on 10th June, needed attention too. Reported SG/1969)

Subsequently, I've discovered that there is funding in place to replace 100 broken litter bins across the entire district.

I'm expecting a response back from SDC w/c 9th June and then, at least, we will have a few options to run past the Town Council for approval.

Update - 11th June

Community Services came back with their appraisal. The main points:-

• Crews would be unable to empty from a bin located at the top of Westridge Road.
• Location on the triangle of land maybe possible with GCC consent.
• Two other locations identified away from PROW for floor mounted bins
• The information about the Browns' Piece bin, given to me, was inaccurate. The bin was replaced some time ago and has a lid.
• Community Services are going to provided some stickers, rather than the signs, which seem to have been a one off deal.

I've asked SDC to gain consent from GCC and draft a proposal, detailing the options, by w/c 30th June so that we can present to Town Council for suggestion/approval at their next meeting.

12th June: SDC asked GCC for consent
Chased 26th June: No permission yet from GCC
Escalated 1st July: GCC Cllr. Linda Cohen
Chased yet again 8th July: GCC Cllr. Linda Cohen
17th July GCC respond with permission.
SDC will ask their contractor to install a post mounted bin to the post already there (at the junction).
This should be completed over the next couple of weeks.