Foul mess (From Western Telegraph)

Foul mess

11:59am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Letters

RE: ‘Dog fouling – support for action’. I was pleased to learn that the matter/problem is being taken seriously at last.

You ask about hot spots?

Pembroke Castle Pond, and Pembroke Mill pond Walk.

How do I know? Pembroke Ponds and Stream Litter Pickers carry out monthly litter clearances around Castle Pond, Millpond and along the Commons.

We have been doing this for more than six years now, the problem is getting worse as more and more open land is disappearing. We see it, and have to pick litter up from around it. Last year two of us did a dog mess clean up around the Castle Pond and scooped up 98 lots of dog mess (three buckets full). We have photos!

We report this on a regular basis to Keep Wales Tidy when they ask for feedback on litter picking sessions.

We don’t think it necessarily needs more staff and hundreds of fines. The presence of a dog-warden who would issue even a handful of fines once a month means the word soon goes round and matters will be better for a few weeks at least.

Surely this could be done out of a budget of £166,000.

We have noticed that now there is a better grass cutting regime in Pembroke the dog fouling is not as bad in some areas shortly after cutting.

We have also discussed talking to PCC staff to see if the Castle Pond could be made into a ‘Dogs must be on Leads’ area so that children can walk on the grass without the threat of stepping into mess.

These two areas are publicised nationally but are not pleasant for residents and visitors alike who may need to (access vehicles), or want to, step onto the grass.

NIKKI ANDERSON Pembroke Heritage and Town Environment Group - 21C