Concerns about whether people are able to tell the difference between pooper scoop bins and post boxes have been raised by councillors.

People posting letters in dog litter bins is a real problem according to some councillors on Basildon Council's environment committee who are worried that letters to loved ones are ending up dumped in dog mess.

Councillors highlighted the issue while debating the possibility of allowing advertising on litter bins.

Cllr Tony Ball, of Wickford South, said: "Some of the councillors suggested we should try and extend advertising to dog bins to help people identify them.

"This idea came up as several committee members said they had heard of instances where people had been posting their letters in dog litter bins instead of post boxes."

A council spokesman said: "We have 150 dog litter bins across the district and we have never had a report of something like this happening. Any potential confusion is soon to be cured as the colour of the latest batch of dog litter bins is grey."

The committee recommended that the council should approve plans to allow Trash Media to provide litter bins, at no cost to the council, in return for the council allowing them advertising rights.

Council officers are also to look at whether it is possible for Trash Media or another company to consider advertising on dog litter bins.

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