Pet owner’s move to get bins back at marina
A PETITION has been set up calling for rubbish bins to be reinstated at an East Staffordshire beauty spot after they were removed.
Visitors were left surprised when they took a trip to Barton Marina and discovered that all the bins had gone without warning.
Bosses said it was due to people using them to dispose of dog mess when they were only for general waste, leading to the waste disposal company saying it would no longer empty the bins.
Now Charlotte Yates has set up a petition to get the bins back, saying many people visit the dog-friendly shops and businesses while they are at the marina but can not do that if they are carrying a full dog poo bag.
There were also no signs saying the bins were just for general waste, which meant dog walkers were not aware they should not put dog poo in them, they say.
She walks her six-month-old border terrier Bruno at the marina daily and often arranges to meet friends or family while she is there.
The 50-year-old added that most people walk their dogs in the woods away from the businesses and that was where they would dispose of the full bags. Ms Yates said: “Most dog walkers use the area where there is a gate as it is not obviously near a picnic area. They need a bin that is clearly signposted for general waste and one for dog waste.
“I have contacted the marina and they did get back to me to say they are reviewing the situation which is great. I did my normal loop this morning and the first bin I came to was right outside the junior school (Thomas Russell), which is where you don’t want dog poo piling up and the bin was virtually full.
“All of the businesses are dog friendly and you don’t go there just for a walk and then go home. You go to the beauty spot and enjoy the fact you can take your dog into the businesses. I really like that it’s on the doorstep.
“I feel really strongly about this as I’ve never created a petition before but I don’t think this should just be left to pass without comment. More people need to be made aware.”
The petition states: “As a local dog walker who enjoys this beautiful spot daily, I’m disappointed and saddened that there are no longer designated places to safely dispose of my dog’s poo.
“What is likely to happen is that the bins around the junior school, pond and Holland Sports Club will be overflowing with bags of dog waste in areas heavily used by those who are most at risk from contamination from dog faeces.
“Businesses at Barton Marina are also likely to be affected, as a pitstop for coffee or refreshments is no longer possible with a bag of dog poo in hand. I understand the bins have been removed as dog owners were putting waste into general waste bins, causing fines to the landowner. To the landowner, please consider providing designated dog waste bins so the local community and its furry friends (who are welcomed at many establishments at the Marina) can continue to enjoy this facility.”
A spokesman for Barton Marina said: “The bins on site are for general waste.
“Unfortunately dog walkers have used these to deposit bags of poo in to; the end coming when the waste disposal company told us they will no longer empty the bins at the marina because dog owners are depositing these bags and some [bags] are not even sealed. They are not dog waste bins.
“One bin was covered in poo when the bag was emptied and our cleaners had to deal with that. It was disgusting.”
The petition is available to sign at www.change.org/p/reinstate-binsat-barton-marina-before-this-localbeauty-spot-is-ruined