Westfield Parish Council has said it is in sympathy with Radstock and other Parish Councils that are struggling to deal with the amount of dog fouling in public places, following the debate in the Journal letters columns in the past two weeks.
The Parish Council says the two Trust Grounds in Westfield are victim to a small number of irresponsible dog owners, who spoil the enjoyment of the grounds where children play, responsible dog owners walk and football matches take place.
Councillor Pat Williams said: "It is irresponsible and unnecessary, dog mess is a real danger to children and adults alike.
"There is a small minority of irresponsible dog owners who seem unaware of the health risks to children from dog mess and it spoils a recreation ground that is supposed to be for the enjoyment of all."
Meeting up with B&NES Dog Warden, Kim McGarva, who regularly patrols the area, Parish Councillors, Eleanor Jackson, Ron Hopkins and Pat Williams, walked the two recreation grounds, talking to responsible dog owners and marking examples of offences. They discussed new approaches to tackling the problem in the area and new signage to encourage users of the grounds to report offenders immediately as they see it happen.
Responsible dog owners are particularly frustrated at the few who do not clean up after their dogs and the reputation that this gives an otherwise responsible community of residents, so the Parish Council is appealing to any member of the public who sees a stray dog or dog fouling offence to report it to the Dog Warden, giving a description and a time.
Any witnesses to dog fouling should report it as soon as possible to B&NES Council Connect Service by calling: 01225 394041 or by emailing: [email protected]">[email protected]