Ellesmere backs campaign targeting dog fouling hotspots

Shropshire Council is asking town and parish councils to help identify areas where dog fouling is causing concern. This, the unitary authority say, will enable it to target resources that will have the greatest impact.

To support local action, “We’re Watching You” signs can be provided as part of the nationally recognised Keep Britain Tidy campaign.

Ellesmere Town Council unanimously agreed to support the initiative at a meeting on Monday (November 2), with the Mayor, Councillor Pete Jones, believing having signs are a good idea.

“It’s an element of name and shame, and shaming people into acting more responsibly, in my opinion,” he said.

Within its campaign, Shropshire Council say that signs are most effective when used as part of a targeted, short-term intervention rather than being there permanently.

It is therefore recommending a five-week approach, with the first week being used to identify a specific hotspot location, and gathering information from residents, councillors and local observations.

Weeks two to four will be used to install the signs at the hotspot, arranging targeted dog warden patrols where appropriate, and promoting the campaign.

The signs will then be removed during week five and the impact reviewed. If successful, the signs can be relocated to another priority location.

Ellesmere town councillors highlighted Cross Street and Wharf Road as being two areas where dog fouling is an issue.

The town clerk, Jo Butterworth, said the town council can let people know about the campaign, and ask them to report problem areas that can be sent to Shropshire Council.

“As autumn approaches and daylight hours reduce, we traditionally see an increase in concerns relating to dog fouling in parks, open spaces, footpaths and residential areas,” said a Shropshire Council spokesperson.

“While the vast majority of dog owners act responsibly, dog fouling remains
one of the most common environmental complaints received by local authorities and communities.

“Bagged dog waste should not be left beside bins, hung from trees, fences or
hedgerows, or discarded in the countryside. While the waste may be bagged, leaving it behind still constitutes littering and creates an unpleasant environment for residents and visitors.

“To ensure patrols are focused where they are most needed, we rely on local
intelligence and reports from communities.”