A NEW litter bin, which can also be used to dispose of dog waste, is to be put up at playing fields in Horwich in a bid to encourage dog owners to keep it clean.

The new bin is expected to be installed before April on the playing fields off Crown Lane, known locally as Bob's Brew.

The action is being taken after consultation with residents and it is hoped that it will stop dog owners dumping poop scoop bags in a hollow tree on the playing fields.

Environmental enforcement officers had the unenviable task of clearing the tree of the waste.

New signs have been put up warning dog owners that they could face a £50 fixed penalty fine or even a court appearance.

Sally Wolstencroft, the council's environmental and education enforcement manager, said: "We have budgeted for a new litter bin on the part of the park where people are throwing waste into the hollow tree."

"The litter bins around the park are not specifically for dog waste, but people can still use them to put their poop scoop bags in."