Shropshire Star

Telford dog fouling campaign proving a success

A Telford scheme to shame owners who don't clean up after their dogs has been a success, according to volunteers.

Published
Apley Woods in Telford

The Friends of Apley Wood have been working with Telford & Wrekin Council to spray dog foul that is left in the beauty spot.

It is one of a number of new measures around Telford to combat anti-social behaviour in the borough.

The "Bloo the Poo" campaign involves volunteers monitoring popular dog walking routes and spraying faeces that has not been picked up with soil recovery spray.

Two of the most heavily used routes in Apley Wood are patrolled fortnightly.

At the start of the initiative, which started in January, 84 offences were recorded. This was down to just 20 in June.

The campaign is planned to run until at least the end of August and has been adopted in more areas across Telford after successful trials in Newport and Dawley.

Steve Warner, chairman of The Friends of Apley Woods said of the campaign: "It's been going very well, the effort we have made has reduced the number of incidents in the woods.

"I think it's one of those things that you can never fully eradicate, but if we can reduce it, it’s a job well done."

Meanwhile, Telford & Wrekin Council recently announced that it would be bringing in 40 new enforcement officers, who would be able to give out fines of up to £400 for crimes like flytipping, littering and graffiti and failing to clean up dog foul.

In the most serious of cases, offenders could end up in court where, if found guilty, the penalties would be much harsher.

Councillor Richard Overton, cabinet member for enforcement, said the council is trying to step up enforcement action.

He added that it is only a small minority of people that blight the community and that the council aims to persuade them to change their ways.

The council also agreed to invest £300,000 in mobile CCTV cameras.

The officers are currently being recruited and will work in neighbourhoods and with schools to teach people how to recycle properly and manage their waste better.

Last month, a man was fined £700 for dumping a caravan packed with garden rubbish near Newport.

The caravan was found at Cherrington on June 24.

An investigation by a Telford & Wrekin Council traced the van and its contents to a man in the Black Country, who admitted he had had a clear-out and hired someone to dispose of it all.

Environmental Enforcement Officer Richard Walmsley described how he could not get into the caravan because of how full it was.

After breaking a window to get inside, he found tree stumps, vehicle parts, magazines and a garden incinerator.

Amongst the rubbish was also documents that contained personal information such as: educational certificates, invoices, warranty paperwork, family photos, and employment, bank and DVLA details.

He also found tickets for a Nickelback gig in Manchester last year.

Councillor Overton reminded the public that when hiring someone to remove waste, it is important to check them out, get the details of their waste carrier licence and make sure you get a receipt.

Telford & Wrekin Council offers a bulk collection service starting at £18 for up to three items.