A message on social media in Burnham and Bridgwater has sparked a lively discussion on social media about dog poo. The message reads: “You let your dog leave something behind on the pavement yesterday in an area where children frequently go past. Someone saw you leave it behind so as a responsible member of the community I plan on returning your property. I'll pop it through the letter box.”

Dozens of residents have commented and agreed with the sentiment listing some of the worst affected streets in the town. In Burnham the worst places for poo appear to be Apex Park, Worston Road and Oxford Street say residents. These places were named as poo black spots in the town.

Meanwhile in Bridgwater the Mercury has been contacted by members of the public about dog owners who allow their pets to leave their business behind in Cranleigh Gardens and Victoria Park.

The problem of dog mess has been discussed before at Berrow and Burnham and Highbridge Town Councils due to the dangers posed to swimmers and to fears for children playing in the sand. Bridgwater also has a problem along with all the towns and villages in Sedgemoor. The district council employ a dog warden whose job it is in part to track down owners who break the law. Offenders are named and shamed and can face a court fine.

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council is carrying out a pilot scheme to test the DNA of dog poo this spring to try and catch owners who fail to clear up mess left by their pet. However it is a voluntary scheme and is also aimed at tracking lost dogs.

From April, all dog owners in England will have to microchip their pet in order to cut down on strays and abandoned dogs. The microchips will be coded with owners' details, and owners who do not comply could face fines of up to £500. The scheme is also aimed at the possibility of prosecuting dog owners who let their pets attack people on private property.

Does your street have issues with anti-social dog owners? Email your thoughts on the problem to harry.mottram@nqsw.co.uk