By Samuel Hogbin

Neighbours are growing angry at having to watch their step in the dog muck minefield outside their homes.

People have become increasingly frustrated with the state of the paths and verges in the area.

Residents of Carden Avenue have taken to writing messages on the pavement expressing their irritation.

Mark Benard, 52, said: “I just think people should take responsibility because it’s very unsociable.

“There’s a sign out there so it’s just not acceptable.”

Dog mess is banned in all public areas by Brighton & Hove City Council. Irresponsible dog owners risk receiving a maximum fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught.

Mr Benard, who has lived in the area for 25-years added: “We’ve had people tying it up in bags and throwing it up in the trees, of course then it just stays there.”

He explained the problem has eased since the messages were laid down but people are concerned it could get worse.

Pick it up

Karen Duke, 45, also of Carden Avenue, said: “We’ve got dogs and we use dog bags.

"All they’ve got to do is pick it up, it’s so simple.”

Neighbours have also cited health and safety issues, expressing concerns for the pupils of Carden Primary school who walk along the pavements and pathways throughout the week.

A spokesperson from Brighton & Hove City Council said: “The council provides dog waste bins around the city to encourage owners to dispose of waste responsibly and provides advice, education and enforcement.”

In the past six months there have been no prosecutions in relation to dog mess in Brighton.

Any issues with dog dirt are dealt with by the council animal welfare team.

The council spokesperson added that successful prosecutions can only be brought if the offence is witnessed by an enforcement officer or if a witness is willing to write a statement and appear in court.