But Preston's band of police horses is getting right up the noses of city centre shoppers.

They might be deterring criminal behaviour but councillors say they have received complaints saying the horses are leaving city roads looking a right mess.

Ashton councillor and former Mayor Bill Tyson has questioned the need for five police horses which have been stationed on Fishergate in recent weeks, saying they had left "half a ton of muck" which had led to shoppers "kicking off".

But police say it is worth it to reassure punters over Christmas – adding no-one is responsible for clearing it up because horse dung is biodegradable and does not carry disease.

Coun Tyson said: "Whose idea was it to put police horses in Preston? There are five horses.

"I have nothing against horses – put them on a football match to control crowds – but what on earth are they doing on Fishergate?

"The main thing that everyone was kicking off about the other day was outside Primark – there was half a ton of muck when they left."

Insp Jill Halliwell, of Preston police, said the horses are "part of our response to the Christmas increase in shopping in the city centre and also they work into the evenings to cover the Nightsafe operation and provide a high-visibility presence."

She added: "We do understand that it may be an issue to people but it is the balance of having the horses and the advantages it brings to the city."

She added: "Horse dung is just recycled grass. There is no disease carried in it and it just washes away."

Atif Iqbal, store manager in the Fishergate Centre's Primark store, said: "It is not bothering us at all. We are expecting the busiest shopping day of the year on Saturday so it is a good thing they are there."

Coun Kate Calder, community safety chief, said: "I will certainly raise the issue next time I meet with the police."

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