Durham County Council has launched a county-wide crackdown on a foul habit, and is specifically targeting Bishop’s Town Recreation Ground behind B&Q.
Bag it and bin it – any rubbish bin will do! That is the message at the heart of a council clampdown on irresponsible pet owners who allow their dogs to mess in public places and leave it for other people to
pick up.
The issue of dog mess has been highlighted as a major concern in communities across County Durham and the launch signalled the start of a targeted campaign aimed at hot spots in all 14 of the council’s Area Action Partnership (AAP) zones.
The authority is the only major partner in the North East supporting the push, run by Keep Britain Tidy. The central message urges owners to bag and bin dog mess as ‘there’s no such thing as ‘the dog poo fairy’.
Durham County Council Cabinet member for Streetscene, Councillor Brian Stephens said, “We are trying to get the message across to irresponsible dog owners who don’t pick up after their pets, that dog fouling is not acceptable.
“Not only is it unpleasant, it can be dangerous too, particularly for our children. While we have ongoing education and enforcement programmes running on this subject, for a month we will be increasing enforcement patrols in 14 hot spots, including Bishop’s park, encouraging residents to clean up after their dogs and handing out fines if they don’t.”
The council’s Streetscene area manager Ian Hoult said, “Bagging it but then hanging it on a bush or tree does not count, please find a bin, any rubbish bin will do, and dispose of it properly.”
Durham County Council’s civic pride officers are also visiting Etherley Lane School.
Ian continued, “We are making them aware they need to take care when playing outside. It is very important from a health perspective as well as from a general citizenship point of view.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
