Vandals who ripped dog mess bags out of dispensers have been labelled as mindless by Swale council’s seafront officer.

Earlier this month, as part of our Foul Play campaign to crack down on the problem, we reported how new holders have been installed around the Island.

Eight were put up along Sheerness seafront from the moat by Tesco up to Barton’s Point, there is a new one at Minster Leas, taking the total to three, and one has been installed at Leysdown.

They are there to help people to pick up after their pets.

But last week,may20 the council’s seafront officer Ian Arnell was dismayed to see the green bags flying all around the beach after someone had pulled them out of six of the dispensers along the Marine Parade stretch.

He said it’s a mindless thing to do and a waste of money – he had already forked out £400 from his budget on the bags and will now have to pay out for replacements.

Mr Arnell said: “They have taken all the bags out and thrown them everywhere.

“It’s very frustrating. “We have a limited budget and you get demoralised because you are trying to improve the beaches.

“It seems to be clearing up one mess and creating another.

“It’s tax payers’ money at the end of the day because it’s council budget – it’s just mindless.”

He pleaded with people not to waste the bags and also requested walkers only take one or what they need as there have been occasions where handfuls have been taken.

Meanwhile, a poster competition run as part of Foul Play closed on Friday.

We asked school children to design an image to encourage responsible dog ownership and we are looking through the entries now.

The winner will be announced in next week’s Times Guardian.

• Foul Play campaign is calling on Islanders to help by letting Swale council know who is not picking up the mess, where it is happening and when.
• To report people who do not pick up, call the council on 01795 417850 or go to www.swale.gov.uk