A MOTHER accused of not picking up after her dog has labelled council officers ‘hypocrites’ after they left a poop scoop bin overflowing for over two weeks.

The bin at the bottom of Curzon Street, Colne, is filled with used bags and dozens more are scattered around the area.

Forty-five-year-old Christine Haddrell, said children often play in the area and the bags of faeces pose health risks to them, animals and pregnant women.

But council bosses said they were unaware of the situation as no-one had made a complaint.

Mrs Haddrell, of Midgeley Street, was issued with a £75 fine by Pendle Council for failing to remove faeces left by her dog on September 25.

She wrote letters to the local authority, disputing the accusation, but paid the penalty as she felt she was left with little alternative.

The mother-of-three, who lives with her 17-year-old daughter, said the bin should be emptied ‘at least once a week.’ She added: “To say they are looking to keep it clean and put people first, but then leave the bin overflowing is disgusting.

“They have behaved irresponsibly. People are not going to trust the council very much if they see bins being left a mess.”

Mrs Haddrell added: “I always pick up after my dog and my daughter’s when I take that for walks as well. I did nothing wrong, but had to pay the fine, which I can’t afford because I have no form of income at the moment. Now they’re not doing their job properly.

“Kids play at the bottom of Curzon street and before all this happened, my dog used to go on that area, but its not safe for either now.”

Pendle Council leader John David said: “We’re sorry there’s been a problem. As soon as we heard we went there and emptied the bin.

“This bin should be emptied twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"We’ll be checking the situation to make sure this happens in future.”