A NEW rule could mark a major turning point in the battle against owners who allow their dogs to foul in Tenbury.

The issue has been a major concern to the town council for many years.

But a consultation being run by Malvern Hills District Council could provide an important new weapon in the battle against irresponsible dog owners.

Tony Penn, who represents Tenbury on Malvern Hills District Council, says that the new powers that are available in some other parts of the country have not yet been tried in Worcestershire.

The consultation, which began in December, lasts for three months and, after this, major new powers could be made available to officers of Malvern Hills District Council.

It would involve the introduction, for the first time, of what are known as public space protection orders.

“A public space protection order will give our officers the powers to require dog owners to prove that they have the means to clean up after their pet,” said Tony Penn.

“If they are unable to do so they will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100 and a £1,000 fine if they fail to pay.

“Currently, a fixed penalty notice can only be issued if they see a dog-owner fail to clean up after their dog.

“If approved, the order will run for three years and Malvern Hills District Council will be the first to introduce this in Worcestershire although these powers are in use in other parts of the country.”

The problem of dog-fouling and owners failing to clean up have been major issues in Tenbury for many years with the town council taking a number of measures with limited success.

It has been a problem throughout the town but a particular issue on the Burgage and playing fields.

This has resulted in rugby matches, involving visiting teams from other parts of the West Midlands, having to be stopped while an official goes on to the pitch to clean up.

Mark Willis, Mayor of Tenbury, has said that the problem is not just unpleasant and annoying but highly embarrassing for the town.

Dog mess can also be harmful, especially if it is picked up by children.

A number of initiatives have been tried in the past including high-profile clean-up sessions in which members of the public have been invited to join councillors on the Burgage in cleaning up the mess.

People have been encouraged to report incidents to Malvern Hills District Council so that action can be taken but firm evidence is needed and people have shown a reluctance to get involved.

There has also been the use of secret cameras to try to collect evidence of incidents in which people have allowed their dogs to foul without cleaning up.

However, if the new measure is introduced, anyone who is out in public with a dog can be stopped and asked to show that they have a bag or scoop with which to clear up after their pet.

If they have not, then even if the dog has not fouled the owner will be liable for the fixed penalty notice.