Councillors have issued a warning to pet owners over dog mess in the Amman Valley.

Cwmaman community councillor Emyr Jenkins and mayor Kevin Madge said they have been inundated with complaints from residents who say dog mess is becoming a massive issue in the Amman Valley.

Cllr Jenkins - who will represent Labour in Glanaman in this year’s local election - said he believes the cleanliness in the area has gone down which he says is down to bins not being emptied regularly enough and leading to people not picking up their dog mess.

“The bins need to be emptied far more regularly, but that is obviously down to cuts, but that is no excuse,” he said. Adding, “If you have a pet you must pick up after it – if there isn’t a bin take it home with you.

“I am being told, and seen for myself, that people are throwing dog mess bags into the bushes on the side of footpaths, particularly the riverside walk, rather than taking it to the nearest bin, or back home with them.

“This is unacceptable anti-social behaviour.”

Cllr Madge said his Garnant ward is much the same with particular areas worse than others.

He said: “I am being told there is a major problem on Cwmaman Road, School Road and near the Half Moon. This is totally unacceptable and I would urge people to report the culprits.”

Cllr Madge added that the current £75 fine given to those caught in the act should be trebled.

“These people should be given a harsher penalty it may make people think twice about not picking up after their pet,” he added.

Carmarthenshire county council deputy leader, David Jenkins, said the council is set to welcome two new enforcement officers who will be tasked with tackling the issue.

"Hopefully with a new brush we may get a bit more action," he said.