A PRIVATE security firm could be paid more than £50,000 to deal with the menace of dog fouling.

Castle Point Council is set to consider the proposals next week.

If agreed, the council would employ a full-time and a part-time enforcement officer to tackle the this issue, and littering, on the island.

However, residents are not convinced.

Sue Brooke, 65, of Canvey, said: “Obviously I don’t think it is a good use of tax payers money.

“There are better things the council could be spending our money on. Residents should be picking up their litter and dog mess.

“It is an issue everywhere not just on Canvey.

“But this is so much taxpayers money to be spent.”

Ron Smith, 77, from Canvey added: “This is disgusting, we should not be spending this much money on litter pickers.

“The council should be fitting the bill, the next thing will be a rise in our council tax.

“We are paying because people cannot collect their own litter - it’s awful.”

the move comes after a petition for a private security firm and a consultation to ban dogs from island beaches.

In June last year, the council discussed plans for improved powers for dealing with littering offences.

A petition was handed to the council calling for a private self-financing company to enforce laws on littering, dog fouling and fly tipping.

The cost of the plan would be about £41,000 per year - with set up costs of £15,000.

A formal consultation will need to happen before such a scheme can go-ahead.

The council believes the best way forward would be to use in-house enforcement staff rather than employ a private enforcement company to enforce the new restriction if and when, it comes into effect.

The council said the best option was for a full-time officer working 37 hours over seven days and a part time council worker 22.5 hours per week supporting the full time post.

The council will consider the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, April 17.