Action plan to combat dog-fouling

AN action plan is being drawn up to reduce the problem of dog fouling in Frodsham through the prosecution of offenders.
The plan – being spearheaded by Cllr Paul Martin (pictured), one of the newly elected members of Frodsham Town Council – is in two phases, the first to raise awareness of the problem and the second to take direct action against dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.
Phase one, which will be delivered over a two month period, will aim to raise awareness within the Frodsham community.
A group of volunteers will be put together – some have already come forward –  to support the campaign in various ways, such as leaflet distribution, reporting offenders and gaining evidence through photography and witness statements.
A special page will be created on the Town Council website which will provide a full copy of the action plan and contact details to report offenders.
It is intended to work closely with local group that use open spaces, such as schools and football clubs.
Area “champions” will be nominated to feedback progress to a central, organising committee.
Potential secure sites for exercising dogs off the lead will be identified.
Dog owners who have difficulty in picking up dog mess will be identified and efforts made to work with them to find a suitable solution.
Phase two of the plan will, with the support of the local PCSO and volunteers gained in the first phase, will be to actively follow up information gained on offenders.
They will be warned that should they continue failing to pick up dog mess, they face the risk of being prosecuted.
Details of prosecutions would be made public.
A visual count of dog mess will be carried out before the first phase starts, again after two months and then after six months, to measure the success of the campaign
The counts will take place in parks – Saltworks, Castle Park and Churchfields – and at known hotspots such as Ship Street, the path running passed St Laurence Church, the path between the leisure centre and Main Street and Quay Side.
Should anyone have particular concerns over other areas of the town these will be added to the list.
Cllr Martin said: “During the initial count for measuring purposes the volunteers will be asked to bag and bin all mess found and counted.
“General litter can also be collected and disposed of, further benefiting the town.”
Anyone who wants to get involved in the campaign should email [email protected]