DOG owners are causing a stink in Portishead by leaving piles of faeces outside people s homes.

DOG owners are causing a stink in Portishead by leaving piles of faeces outside people's homes.

Residents in the Port Marine area of the town are calling for dog owners to clean up their act as they endure a daily stream of dogs fouling the pavements outside their front doors.

Dave King, of Lockside Square, said: "This problem is a matter of health and safety caused by irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to use the marina promenade and landscaped areas as a toilet.

"Children are at serious risk from the faeces and it is only a matter of time before a child becomes infected."

Dog faeces harbours disease and can carry toxicaria. Toxocariasis affects thousands of people every year, it can cause serious eye infections and in extreme cases blindness.

Another Port Marine resident, who did not want to be named said: "In addition to the constant fouling I find many dog owners stand within feet of my front door and wait for their dogs while they urinate on my gate pier, it's disgusting, they seem to have no shame."

Portishead and North Somerset councillor Reyna Knight said: "Some people are behaving conscientiously and are cleaning up after their dogs, but it is every dog owners' duty to do so and I would urge people to be more thoughtful.

"We also seem to have a problem with ordinary litter bins being used for dog excrement which is not acceptable.

"I will be taking the matter to North Somerset Council to ensure we have the correct number of bins in the area and they are all emptied regularly."

North Somerset Council spokesman, Richard Turner, said: "We would ask all dog owners to act responsibly and dispose of animal excrement appropriately."

Anyone who fails to clean up after their dog risks a fine of £50. Failure to pay can result in prosecution and carries a maximum fine of £1,000.