Dog walkers have been forced to tie their pets’ waste to a fence obstructing a poo bin.

Residents complained to Minster Parish Council about the oversight at the old hospital site in Love Lane.

Persimmon Homes is building houses on the land and had put a barrier around the area, in front of where mess can be disposed of properly.

It meant people cleaning up after their pets had been tying the bags of waste to the railings.

After being contacted by Swale council about the issue, Persimmon agreed to move the fence to resolve the issue and offered to clean the site as well.

The outcome has delighted the council’s animal control officer Tim Oxley, who said it showed people working together.

The Times Guardian launched its Foul Play campaign in partnership with Swale earlier this year.

Mr Oxley thanked Minster Parish Council for raising the issue and Persimmon for its response.

He said: “The Foul Play campaign has clearly had an effect on everyone in this area.

“I hope this community spirit continues throughout Sheppey as more people begin to use parks and play areas now the weather has improved.”

Meanwhile, Island primary schools are encouraged to get involved with a Foul Play competition by getting children to design a poster.

They need to create their flyer with a picture and message about why it’s important to clear up.

The winning one will be made up and displayed in shop windows, at Abbey Vets in Halfway which is supporting our campaign and it will also be available for download.

As well as having their poster made, one winner will get a selection of dog toys from Abbey Vets and Swale council will present a prize too.

Each design should be submitted on an A4 piece of paper, with the child’s name, age and school on the back.

Schools should collect all pupils’ entries together and send them to 44 High Street, Sheerness, ME12 1NL.

The closing date is 5pm on Friday, May 24.

The Foul Play campaign is calling on Islanders to help by letting Swale Council know who is not picking up the mess, where it is happening and when.

It is difficult for council wardens to catch people in the act, so information from witnesses will help them target their resources effectively and, hopefully, enable the wardens to identify those responsible.

Anyone spotted can be issued an on-the-spot fixed penalty of £80, or £60 if paid within seven days.

Failure to pay can result in prosecution, with a maximum £1,000 fine.

• To report people who do not pick up their dog’s mess, call the council on 01795 417850 or go to www.swale.gov.uk