‘POLITE’ notices are appearing on public litter bins across the borough threatnening to name and shame people who do not dispose of dog poo and other rubbish appropriately.

Bags of dog poo and other waste have been found next to closed public bins in Blackrod and Tonge Park, according to councillors.

This comes as Bolton Council has temporarily stopped emptying public bins as staffing levels are affected by the coronavirus crisis.

These bins have now been covered up to show that they are closed.

But Horwich and Blackrod councillor Ann Cunliffe said that some members of the public are still leaving their waste next to public bins.

She said: “People are upset because in these times, it’s such a minor issue. Most dog owners are responsible, but we are finding it’s dog poo bags in Blackrod. It’s a handful of irresponsible people.”

Cllr Cunliffe attached a “polite notice” on public bins outside Blackrod Communtiy Centre and elsewhere in the village.

She thanked others who have also put their own signs up on bins around Blackrod.

Members of the Tonge Fold Neighbourhood Watch team also reported bags of rubbish being left next to litter bins in Tonge Park recently.

Tonge with Haulgh councillor Nick Peel recommended that the community group puts similar notices on these bins warning offenders that they will be prosecuted, named and shamed.

He said: “I think in situations like this, a national crisis brings out the best in people but sometimes it brings out the worst. The grey bins and green bins are being collected as normal. There’s sometimes missed collections, but there’s no reason to do that.”

Bolton Council announced that it would temporarily stop emptying public bins last week.

Grey bins, green bins and food waste containers should still be collected as usual but household waste and recycling centres are now closed to the public.

A council spokesman said: “We felt it was better to close bins, rather than risk them overflowing and causing a problem.

“We would ask people to please take their rubbish home and dispose of it accordingly.

“We really appreciate the public’s understanding and we will continue to review the situation on a daily basis.”