AN on-going campaign to tackle dog mess in Bewsey and Dallam has been hailed a success by local residents.
Following on from the success of the first dog fouling week earlier this year, Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and People and Dogs (P.A.D) have been out and about delivering another week of activities to tackle the messy problem.
The campaign saw residents placing posters and awareness banners in windows and in other busy areas, with many taking the opportunity to show their support.
During the week free poo bags and leaflets were handed out to residents to raise awareness of the rules and help them stay on the right side of the law.
Staff from Warrington Borough Council (WBC) were also on hand, cleaning pathways and walkways of the mess and placing spray paint signs on the pavements in hot spot areas.
As a result of partners efforts this year dog fouling complaints to WBC have reduced from 66 as at spring 2014 to 25 as at spring 2015.
The campaign is part of an initiative called People and Dogs (P.A.D) in Bewsey & Dallam. P.A.D. is a group of dog lovers and owners who have come together to support other dog owners in the area.
Formed through a partnership with GGHT, WBC, Cheshire Police and local residents, the group promotes responsible dog ownership and believe that every dog owner has their dog’s interest at heart.
The initiative is also part of ‘the Delivering Wellbeing in Bewsey & Dallam project’ which is being spearheaded by WBC to revitalise the area.
GGHT Regeneration Officer, Kim Bate said: “This campaign has been running since earlier in the year and has achieved some very positive outcomes.
“We want to raise as much awareness as possible of the dog fouling issue through educating people about the risks to others posed by leaving this mess and the implications it can have on the whole community.”
The council’s executive board member for leisure, community and culture, Cllr Kate Hannon, said “Dog fouling is a terrible blight on our streets and the lovely green spaces we enjoy in the borough.
“It is great to see partners and responsible dog owners coming together to raise awareness, contributing to a reduction in dog fouling complaints this year.”
Find out more about the work GGHT and partners are doing to tackle Dog Fouling at www.gght.org.uk/scoopthepoop or to report dog fouling please go to www.warrington.gov.uk/report.
