DOG walkers are frustrated after their animal waste bins were removed from a Rochford housing estate.

The Paddocks Estate off Brays Lane lost the four bins after the development’s bosses, Bellway Homes said the bins were costing almost £7,000 a year to maintain.

A letter to residents said: “The decision has been made to remove the dog bins around the pond.

“The reason for this is we are an ‘open site’, with access for all including non-residents, and those non-residents have the benefit of what is quite an expensive service when it comes to emptying the dog waste bins.

“The cost for weekly emptying is £6,500+VAT per year.

“’Please take your dog waste home’ signs will be posted, and compliance will be closely monitored. The bins will be stored pending a final decision.”

Following the temporary removal of the bins on Wednesday, an owner of three dogs who lives opposite to the pond, said: “We have not received any paperwork, costings or anything to justify the cost.

“I don’t think we are receiving £7,000 a year’s work, that is a definite no.

“There were two dog bins up at each end of the pond and they are all gone, it is alright for me because it takes me a second to get to my home to dispose of my dog’s poo, but for others it is not that easy.”

Following the removal of the dog bins, The Echo contacted Bellway Homes for comment, however, they refused.

Another man from the estate said that they were paying around £30 a month for maintenance including the dog bins, and they do not expect that to decrease.

He added: “It could create a lot of mess and lots of children go and play on that area.

“A lot of people do not understand why it is happening.

“If you do not provide this facility, people will just say there is nowhere to put their rubbish.”