Help needed to stop foul play in Church Stretton

People in Church Stretton are being reminded to properly dispose of their dogs’ waste – or risk being fined. 

The warning comes as Shropshire Council’s streetscene team work with Church Stretton Town Council and the football club who use Russell’s Meadow and Robinson’s Field, to stop dog fouling on the recreational areas. 

Not only is dog fouling filthy and smelly, it is a significant health risk because it can carry roundworm parasites called Toxocara.  In humans, this can result in the condition Toxocariasis.  Symptoms vary depending on where the infection occurs in the body.  In severe cases, blindness can result. 

The parasite is spread by direct contact, making children and sports players particularly high at risk of contracting Toxocara, such as when they walk or fall onto infected dog fouling. P eople who maintain grass are also at risk. 

Shropshire Council has officers who have been specially trained to respond to people’s calls for tougher enforcement on environmental crime. 

Streetscene officers can issue environmental crime reports on-the-spot to people who do not clean up after their dog.  When all the evidence is reviewed this can lead to an £80 fixed penalty notice.  In severe or repeated cases, prosecution can be pursued in the magistrates court. 

Formal warning letters or fixed penalty notices can also be issued when any member of the public is prepared to supply a legally binding witness statement to Shropshire Council detailing a recent, specific incident. 

Ignorance of the incident is no defence.  People who ignore their dogs, on or off the lead, or let them foul whilst roaming unaccompanied are still liable. 

Streetscene officers have been patrolling the grounds to speak directly to dog walkers and users of the area to highlight concerns, responsibilities and ask for help to report incidents. 

Letters have been sent to surrounding residences, and leaflets given out to spread the message to ‘Bag It, Tie it and Bin it’.  Bagged dog fouling can be placed in any public litter bin. 

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for streetcleaning, said:

“I understand this is an issue which many local people are concerned about and I’d very much encourage them to report any problems of dog fouling to us so that we can investigate and take appropriate action.

“It is simply not acceptable to not clean up after your dog.  Not only does it pose a health risk, but it also costs taxpayers thousands of pounds each year to clear up.”

Lee Chapman, a Shropshire Councillor for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, said:

“Dog owners who don’t clear up after their dogs need to change their ways or face the consequences.  It is not acceptable to expect someone else to clear it up.”

Andrew Griffiths, Magpies Club chairman, added:

“For some time members of Magpies football club have expressed our concern about the amount of dog waste that the team managers come across while preparing for home games on Brooksbury playing fields.  Recent feedback from managers indicates that this is an ongoing problem which has to be regularly monitored, and waste has to be removed by club members before the games start.

“Our concern is that, because the mess is not confined to a particular area, there will be an occasion when we fail to spot and remove some waste and this causes a health problem to a player.

“Obviously we are aware that the town council are as concerned as ourselves about the impression this potential problem gives to visiting teams, and the reputational risk both to the club and the town if a parent or player had cause to complain, and we are keen to continue working with the various partners to avoid this scenario.”

Residents have also raised concerns regarding other recreational areas such as the Craven Arms playing field and the school playing field at Cleobury Mortimer which the schools use.

To report a problem with dog fouling, flytipping, graffiti, flyposting or litter in your area call 0345 678 9006, or alternatively report a problem online at shropshire.gov.uk/environmentmaintenance.nsf.

Further information

The Fixed Penalty Notice charge is currently set at £80, with a reduced fine of £50 if it is paid within 14 days.  By paying the penalty charge, the person accepts they have committed an offence and discharges their liability for it.  If payment is not made, prosecution in the Magistrates Court is pursued where higher fines are enforced.