PRIVATE security firm Xfor is to be drafted in to help clean up parts of Pitsea blighted by dog mess.

The crack squad, taken on by Basildon Council in a six-month trial to clean up streets and dish out fines to litter-bugs, will be tasked with policing parts of Pitsea following complaints.

Bill Baker, 81, of Elm Green, Pitsea, spoke about the issue at a residents’ meeting and said the problem of people not picking up after their animals was increasing near his home.

He pointed out the problems were particularly bad near Pitsea Junior School in High Road and First Steps Day Nursery in Rokescroft.

Mr Baker said: “Where I live the problem is getting worse.

“I am concerned, especially because so much of it is near the school and nursery.

“The point is, if you get a child who falls over, they could get diseases from it.”

Ann Blake, ward councillor for Pitsea South East, who was at the meeting said: “It is a shame the minority of dog owners spoil the pleasure of dog walking for the rest of us.

“I am a dog owner myself and have seen people who let their dogs foul and then just walk away.

“In the past I have approached people who do this and given them bags to dispose of it.”

Mrs Blake said she believed the public should be more vigilant and expose dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

She added: “Ultimately we are a responsible council, but we can only investigate a persistent problem if we are notified by the public.”

Malcolm Buckley, Basildon councillor with responsibility for the environment, said Xfor would be able to fine people £75 on the spot if they were seen not cleaning up after their pet.

He said: “We do consider dog fouling an issue that concerns residents greatly.

“Xfor will be targeting hot-spot areas to deter antisocial dog owners and make them clean up after themselves.”