A disabled Sidford pensioner has claimed dog owners are deliberately visiting his street so their pets can use his driveway as a toilet.

The Brook Lane resident said his pleas for more mess bins and on the spot fine signs have been declined because they would “cost too much money”.

“I know money is tight, but the district council aren’t taking it seriously enough,” said the man, who needs a mobility scooter to get around.

“The council said bins or posters would cost too much.”

He added: “I left the dog warden three messages over the last three months but she didn’t get back to me.

“How can one dog warden cover the whole of East Devon?”

The man and his wife say they are “responsible owners” of a West Highland terrier, and claim that the actions of a few were making them all look bad.

Councillor Iain Chubb, East Devon District Council (EDDC) cabinet member for environment, said: “Blame for dog fouling can only be placed with the minority of irresponsible dog owners who don’t pick up after their pet.

“While we offer good quality waste collection and enforcement, it is not realistic or fair to expect local taxpayers to foot the bill for increasing these services, especially in times of very large cuts to public sector funding.

“We are currently targeting enforcement action in a number of hot spots for dog mess, and this will include posters and street markings highlighting the issue and how to report it.

“If you are caught you will be fined £80. No excuses, no exceptions.”

An EDDC spokesman said six of East Devon’s 357 dog bins are in Sidford, and the dog warden is supported by 16 council staff members, and sightings often result in fines.

Anyone who sees an incident can report it by calling 01395 517528.