‘Use mobile phones to catch lazy dog owners’ (From Ludlow Advertiser)

‘Use mobile phones to catch lazy dog owners’

8:00am Saturday 6th June 2009 in News By Adrian Kibbler

PEOPLE who see dog owners allowing their pets to foul the town and fail to clean up are being encouraged to photograph them on a mobile phone.

The pictures should then be sent to the town council as part of a bid to clean up Ludlow.

The newly elected Mayor of Ludlow, Martin Taylor-Smith, promised the town meeting on Friday that there was a zero tolerance approach to selfish dog owners.

“We are not suggesting that people tackle dog owners and put them in an armlock. But we are asking them to report people who do not clean up after their dogs. One of the problems is catching people and identifying them. A way of doing this is to take a picture with a mobile phone,” said Councillor Taylor- Smith.

He told the meeting it is important Ludlow presents itself in the best possible way both for the benefit of locals and visitors.

The town council has also pledged to play its part in enabling Ludlow to present the best possible face.

As part of this, during the summer season grass in prominent places in the town will be cut every week instead of fortnightly, as has been the case.

A major refurbishment of The Buttercross, which has been shrouded in scaffolding for many months, will start this month, partly funded by a £25,000 grant from English Heritage. There is also planned work on Castle Gardens and the first phase of an enhancement of the Linney has started.

Phase one has included resurfacing the car park and the installation of a parking meter. It has been agreed all parking fees will be used to invest in the Linney as a family friendly leisure attraction with a play and picnic area.