A St Albans cyclist is kicking up a stink after seeing red over the amount of dog poo being left at a cycle path in St Albans.

John Aikman, 57, got in touch with the Review after growing tired of the "festive display" of dog poo in Alban Way, next to Smallford Lake.

He said: "There is a spot where there are two benches arranged so passers by can sit and enjoy the view of the lake and spot the wildlife.

"This view is somewhat hampered by the horrid metal fencing erected by the angling club, however it is completely ruined by the enormous, festering collection of dog poo bags that are now hanging from the fencing.

"It's been growing for several months now."

Mr Aikman, who lives in Vanda Crescent and who uses the cycle path daily on his way to the De Havilland Campus swimming pool, said all the bags are the same colour.

He added: "There is a theory that, as most of the bags are the same colour, it may be just one dog owner who is either enormously anti-social or they are trying to make a point about there not being a dog poo bin in the vicinity.

"Either way, it is the very apotheosis of an eyesore.

"There's a council poo bin about a hundred yards further up by the Smallford Bridge. Whoever is leaving it would have to pass within five yards of it to go home. It is deliberate and disgusting."

Other users of the popular path have grown tired of seeing dog mess and have taken to social media to vent their frustration.

Charlotte Little said on Facebook: "I just don't get it - you may as well not pick it up as it would degrade quicker without its plastic wrapping.

"If you can't stomach carrying a sealed bag of poop for a few hundred yards don't have a dog.

"It makes me so mad as it gives us responsible dog owners a bad name."

However, opinion was divided - with Maggy Walters replying on Facebook: "Yes it's wrong to leave it as they do, on the other hand, we pay plenty of council tax, so maybe it's down to the council to provide more poo bins.

"Just a thought."

Dog owners can face a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught failing to clear up any dog foul left by their dog.

What do you think? Does more need to be done to punish owners leaving dog poo? Vote in our poll now and comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.