A campaign to halt dogs fouling the streets and open spaces of Marlborough is to be launched by Marlborough town council — with plans to link it up with similar efforts by the Area Board and surrounding parish councils.
Richard Beale, the council’s head gardener, has told the council’s Amenities and Open Spaces Committee that he and his staff were receiving continuous complaints about dog mess in the grounds of St Mary’s Church.
“Despite the presence of a new bin, one or two owners are insisting on allowing their dogs to foul this site and are not disposing of the waste appropriately,” he revealed.
“Talking to members of the public from nearby, I understand there is one offender in particular who is responsible for much of the mess.”
Councillors suggested that new signs should be put up warning dog owners they will be prosecuted if they continue to foul the area persistently.
And Councillor Alec Light declared: “I am prepared to stay up day and night on the site to catch the culprit.”
The Salisbury Road recreation ground is another area where dog fouling is still taking place despite new warning signs. “We are picking it up almost daily as it is obvious that a dog is making regular visits to re-offend in the area,” revealed Richard Beale.
Town clerk Shelley Parker recommended that the council link up a new campaign with the Marlborough Area Board and nearby parish councils in a bid to end the dog dirt menace. Talks are also to take place with Wiltshire Council’s local dog warden, to share information and suggest new ways of tackling the problem.
Town and Country magazine published a plea from the Town Council in July asking members of the public to report incidents to the council on 01672 512487 or at enquiries@marlboroughtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Incidents were also reported by the council’s our grounds team and added to the Dog Mess Map with incidents marked over a six-week period to discover the worst affected areas. are.
Mrs Parker has put the map on public display in the town council offices showing the top four worst affected places being St Mary’s Church Yard, The Common, the Recreation Ground and the Elcot Lane football pitches.
“Whilst the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and clear up after their pets, it’s evident that a persistent problem in the town is the issue of dog fouling,” she said.
