RESIDENTS in a Worcester street dubbed a dog mess hotspot have received letters warning them they could be fined for not cleaning up after their pets.

Civil enforcement officers from Worcester City Council pushed letters through doors in Chalfont Close, off the Ombersley Road, on Tuesday after being made aware that dog fouling has become a problem in the area.

The letters, written by the authority’s civil enforcement manager Andy Chinn, reminded residents that not cleaning up after their dog was illegal and could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

“Apart from being very unpleasant, dog mess can cause serious health problems – particularly to younger children,” said Mr Chinn in the letter.

“Our enforcement team will be patrolling the area on a regular basis, and we will prosecute where we obtain sufficient evidence about owners who do not clean up after their dogs.

“Please be considerate, and help us make sure your area is pleasant and safe for all residents.”

Leading the team of four in Chalfont Close this week was the authority’s senior civil enforcement officer Dave Harrison.

“There have been concerns raised by members of the public and residents,” he said.

“At the moment we are trying to educate. Fining people is a worst case scenario and hopefully it won’t come to that.”

 

DOG FOULING: YOUR STORIES 

When we announced our intention to run the Clean It Up campaign, dozens of readers let us know their foul stories. Here’s a selection:

Simon Fall-Taylor: “Personally I’m sick of filthy dirty dog owners who are too lazy to clear up after their pet. Everywhere you go from the school run to the parks, it’s like a minefield of poo.”


Kel Thomas: “And don’t get me started on people that pick it up in a nappy sack and then throw the nappy sack into bushes or trees! There is just no understanding some people.”


Sarah Petra: “I think a lot of people only pick up their dog’s poo if they think they’re being watched!”


Jacqueline Job: “I am fed up of the amount of dog mess I come across when walking my dog. I clean up after him but I cannot believe how many people do not clean up after theirs.”


Georgina Kaye Wells: “I see so many people actually turning their back while their dogs poo on the pavement and walk off.”


James Wilson: “If people can’t be bothered to clean up after the dogs they shouldn’t have them.”


Clive Powell: “I used to live in Worcester and remember dog mess being a real hazard to avoid stepping into.”


Victoria Phelps: “You got fines, you got bins, you got signs not much now can be done it’s the owners of the dog  to take responsibility for its mess.”