A loud and happy yap for our dog warden. I phoned him for advice on tackling the dog mess problem in our neighbourhood, and the very next day "Poop Scoop Area" signs had sprouted from lampposts down our street. That was several months ago, and our pavements are still much cleaner and easier to negotiate, especially with small children and buggies.

And a long, low growl for the dog owners who think the signs only refer to the pavement and now allow their pets to mess on the road. I cycle to school and back with my daughter every day and we keep our bikes in the house to avoid theft. But before we can wheel our bikes into the hall, tyres have to be checked and often cleaned. A gross task.

Do these people ever consider that a young cyclist swerving to avoid a mess could be involved in an accident?

Jackie Carey, Jamaica Road, Malvern.