Volunteers help tackle dog fouling in Stratford District

Officials at Stratford-on-Avon District Council are warning irresponsible dog owners in Kineton and Tysoe to beware as the District Council has two new recruits in combating the problem of dog fouling.

In response to public demand for more action to fight against the increasing amount of dog fouling and litter in local towns and villages the District Council has recruited two local volunteers to help tackle this problem and act as the 'eyes and ears' of the District Council.

In Kineton local resident and District Councillor Chris Mills will patrol the area and a retired dog trainer called George Randerson will be on the look out in Tysoe.

Sophie Peacock, Animal Welfare Officer says: “Stratford-on-Avon District is such a large area for one officer to cover and we do have to rely on the public to help combat the dog fouling problem.  The majority of dog-owners are responsible and pick up after their dogs; it is only a careless few who allow dog fouling to litter our parks, pavements, beauty spots and public spaces spoiling them for other people.  

“People care about their own local area and we would like to harness the power of that majority to help stamp out dog fouling across the District.  This new scheme is designed to remind the irresponsible minority of their duty to pick up after their dogs."

Cllr Mike Gittus, Environment and Planning Portfolio: “This is all about local people being given the chance to shoulder some responsibility for keeping the area in which they live clean and safe.  I hope that we can recruit many more Wardens from our community to undertake such an important and essential role."

The warden's role:

• Reporting dog fouling, litter or untidy areas to the District Council.
• It is a voluntary position and the hours are to suit the individual.  You will be responsible for an area of your choice, whether that be a pavement in the street in front of your house or larger areas like an open space, row of shops, outside a school, playing field or your local village or town.
• Setting an example to young people and people in the community. 
• Raising awareness of the cleaner, greener environments in their neighbourhoods through local parish meetings.

For those residents living in Kineton who need to report a problem please contact Cllr Chris Mills on 01926 641309 or 07966 133607 and in Tysoe please contact George Randerson on 01295 680344.

The District Council would like to recruit more volunteers from different areas and different backgrounds - you don't necessarily have to be a Councillor or part of the parish group but must be willing to be the eyes and ears of the community and help combat the dog fouling problem.  If you are interested in becoming a warden in your local area please contact the District Council on 01789 267575.