DOG mess bins are to be pioneered in West Swindon and could herald a borough-wide anti-fouling scheme.

And one area is to have three extra bins thanks to a campaigning 11-year-old schoolgirl.

The council is to pay for a six-month trial involving 30 bins sited at Toothill, Peatmoor Lagoon, Shaw, Freshbrook, Lawns and Westlea.

Westlea's share has been boosted from four to seven thanks to the efforts of schoolgirl Beverley Harris.

She and mum Debbie, 32 handed over a cheque for £204 during last night's meeting of the council's area panel (West) at Upper Shaw Farm.

They raised the money with a sponsored walk during the summer.

With the trial costing about £80 per bin, the council has agreed to place three extra ones in Westlea using Beverley's cheque.

The council's total investment in the trial scheme will be £5,124.

Council officials estimate that a borough-wide programme involving 400 bins would cost £31,450 to install and an annual £38,450 to service.

Debbie Harris said at last night's meeting: "What you need to look at is the fact that if you target areas around schools, you will be educating children to encourage their dogs to use their bins.

"There are some adults who you are not going to be able to educate, but if you look to the schools and re-educate the children, they will learn to clean up after their dogs."

Peter Ellershaw, the council's director of environmental services, said in a report to the area panel: "Dog faeces can spread disease, especially to young children. In public places, it can be a source of distress and discomfort."