A BEACHSIDE cafe has been told they have no legal powers to fine dog owners £100 for putting bagged-up mess in their outside bins.

The Noisy Lobster at Avon Beach had placed the laminated signs on the bin lids, warning dog walkers they would fine them £100 if people were caught placing bags of dog mess in them.

The spot between Steamer Point and Mudeford Quay is popular with dog walkers in Christchurch.

But after advice from Christchurch council, who told them they had no legal powers to do so, the signs have now been removed.

Lindsay Cass, head of property and engineering, at Christchurch Borough Council said: “The council’s tenant is required to keep the promenade and beach in a clean and tidy condition, but there is no specific requirement to provide dog bins at Avon Beach.

"There are, however, dog waste bins sited on council land at either end of the leased premises.

“The bins situated outside The Noisy Lobster are owned and managed by the council’s tenant. We have advised our tenant that he does not have legal powers to fine people who put dog waste in these bins.”

Noisy Lobster proprietor, Peter Hayward, said: "We have taken advice from the council and amended the wording to 'No Dog Mess: Members of the public will be charged for the cost to empty and clean the bins if caught disposing dog mess here.'

"Unfortunately these signs are necessary to deter people from using our general waste bins for their dog’s mess.

"There are plenty of designated council managed dog mess bins and yet people still use our general waste bins.

"These general waste bins are emptied by members of staff at Avon Beach.

"It is for their health and safety that these signs are required."

Ward councillor Paul Hilliard said: "A number of residents have made comments on this to me.

"I believe this part of the beach is well used by dog walkers so the balance of appropriate facilities should be provided at the shop and cafe."