STEPHANIE Tye's article on dog faeces dealt with the issue in a balanced and proportionate manner (SA, Dec 30). Sadly the picture supporting the article demonstrated the less palatable side of the story. It is clear that responsible dog owners are indeed picking up their dog's faeces with the honourable intent of depositing them in the bins provided; however, the bins are all too often full to overflowing leaving the owners with little option other than to discard the 'deposit' close to the bin. One question to be asked of the council is whether the collection process is adequate; the evidence suggests it is not. With regard to 'evidence' it is quite odd that a spokesman for the council should suggest that patrols to catch irresponsible owners is "an extremely inefficient and weak measure" what proof does the council have to support this statement? That only two people have been fined in ten years is probably due to the absence of patrols.

The comment that the Regulatory and Investigatory Powers Act which was established as an anti terrorism tool, somehow inhibits the power of local councils to monitor dog fouling is spurious in the extreme. Even if it were true, RIPA would be an inappropriate tool for the purpose described especially as Swindon council can use powers under the Dog Control Orders (Prescribed Offences and Penalties, etc.) Regulations 2006, to fine irresponsible owners. Fines which can be of a fixed nature can be levied by Police Community Support Officers or by designated Council employees.

The subject of course is not new and one would hope leading councillors David Wren and Peter Greenhalgh remember the assurances made in the Adver to Swindon residents in 2007. Coun Wren talking about dog fouling said: "We are going to target areas where there are concerns. The officers will be on the ground, they will be fully trained and looking at all aspects of enviro-crime. They will be walking the beat and they will be visible.'' Coun Peter Greenhalgh, also talking about dog fouling said: "I think it's a really positive step for Swindon, having people out there with the power to deal with these issues. The only questions to ask are where 'the officers on the ground' are and where are the 'people out there'?

DES MORGAN Caraway Drive Swindon