Dog owners to join Church Stretton 'clean-up' pledge

The scheme, which is being run in Church Stretton, will see the public encouraged to join council enforcement officers in making sure littering – from dog mess to fly tipping – is always reported, and those responsible fined.

If successful, similar drives may be rolled out to other parts of the county, John Woolmer, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England which is leading the scheme, said. The CPRE is working with local authorities and enforcement officers to get residents, schools and community organisations involved.

The first step in the action plan will be the signing of a "clean dog walkers pledge" which will be launched by Church Stretton Town Council at the market in the Town Square on Thursday.

Town clerk Marian Giles said: "Church Stretton Town Council is working with CPRE and Shropshire Council to launch a 'clean dog walkers pledge' to recognise responsible dog owners in the town, and to encourage them to help stamp out the blight of dog fouling in the town by the handful of thoughtless owners.

"There will be lots of information and advice to support responsible dog owners and free clean-up bags for owners who sign the pledge," she said.

The pledge asks dog owners to clean up after their pets at all times, dispose of dog mess in an appropriate bin, carry extra doggie bags for other walkers in need and encourage others also to clean up and sign the pledge. But it also warns not to aggressively confront other walkers about dog fouling.

Councillor Mike Walker, Mayor of Church Stretton, said: "The town council considers it a priority to make the town a clean and safe environment for visitors and townsfolk alike – the pledge is an important part of our strategy to work with partners to achieve that goal."