Identified as a top nuisance issue in countless polls, and a real health hazard as well, dog fouling is being tackled in a scheme bringing together residents and Wigan Council.
Dog owners, members of township forums and enforcement officers are united in getting the message out to the minority of owners who don’t clean up after their pooch. The biggest fear is toxicariasis, an illness caused by roundworm eggs found in dog faeces, which in severe cases can lead to blindness, especially in children. And there’s a local cost of some £60,000 each year in council tax to clear it up. But dog mess is one of those environmental concerns that can be easily addressed.
Campaigns have already begun in Worsley Mesnes and Leigh, and free ‘pooper bags’ are available in those areas (including at Bramble House in Worsley Hall and Leigh town hall).
In fact, dog owners can wrap waste in any plastic bag and dispose of it in normal street litter bins. Council officers are working with residents and community groups in their own areas, and least 40 schools will be visited this year to engage young people on this issue. School pupils are always upset by the mess of dog fouling and the council’s education team are helping them to be aware of the health hazards and how they can act in their own communities. And in the ‘hot spot areas’, households will be given a leaflet highlighting the problem.
The campaign will be continuing across the borough throughout 2009. The first outlets for the free ‘poop bags’ are listed here.
- Post Office, 124-126 Warrington Road, Leigh
- R & D Aquis Off Licence, 125 Warrington Road, Leigh
- Gola’s News, 320 Holden Road, Leigh
- Varsani General Store & Off Licence, 105 Firs Lane, Leigh
- Leigh Library, Civic Square Leigh
- Leigh Town Hall, Civic Square
- Wigan & Leigh Housing Office, Ridyard Street, Worsley Hall
- Bramble House Community Centre, Broom Road, Worsley Hall
- Wheelchair fund shop, St Paul’s Ave, Worsley Mesnes.
- Ink 4 U, Worsley Mesnes Precinct (off Worsley Mesnes Drive)
Members of Leigh township forum go ‘walkies’ to promote the new campaign.
