Cameras to be used against anti-social dog owners in Tenbury

The extent of the problem of dog fouling that is not cleaned up was shown when volunteers collected four large bin bags of dog mess from the town.

Much of it was collected from Palmer's Meadow and the Burgage which are used by children and the town’s rugby club.

But just hours after the clean-up had been completed a rugby game on Palmer’s Meadow had to be stopped when a player dived into a fresh deposit of dog dirt during the game.

Now Tenbury Town Council says that the time has come to get tough with offenders and this is expected to involve the use of hidden CCTV cameras from Malvern Hills District Council to collect evidence.

The volunteers including town councillors, members of the rugby club and public spent three hours with plastic bags and poop scoops.

“It is clear that firmer action will need to be taken,” said town clerk Dawn Worgan.

“This can involve the use of cameras to identify culprits and it may be necessary to name and shame. There are plenty of bins in the area and so there is no excuse.

“When people see someone who does not clear up after their dog has messed we want them to report it we are not asking people to confront offenders.”

The town council hopes that the knowledge that offenders are being watched and could be fined combined with pressure from responsible dog owners we curb the problem that is affecting large areas of the town including footpaths and around the church and cemetery.

People who are caught allowing their dogs to foul and not clearing up can be fined £50 but the fine is increased to £75 if they put the mess in a bag but then leave it.

Residents who want to report dog fouling can call 01684 862151 or visit www.malvernhills.gov.cuk/report-it