Agenda item

To receive an update and consider recommendations from this group.

The Area Board received an update from Cllr Jacqui Lay and considered recommendations from this group. The notes of the Dog Fouling Task Group were tabled at the meeting.

The following recommendations were tabled:

·         Education

The Task Group recommends that an educational programme be implemented, to be available to all age groups, beginning with young children of Infant School age, spanning all year groups up to and including Secondary School level, with possible involvement of youth groups such as the Guides and Scouts.

·         Roadshows/Inclusion in Wiltshire Council Roadshows

The Task Group recommends that the issue of dog fouling be included as part of a ‘roadshow’, with the involvement and assistance from partner agencies such as the RSPCA, Vet Surgeries and pet food manufacturers.

·         Public Awareness

The Task Group recommends that an on-going media and PR campaign be implemented highlighting the risks, the fact that wrapped waste can be disposed of in ordinary litter bins, as well as mentioning recent prosecutions.

·         ‘Rent a Warden’

The group recommends that a special ‘community warden’ position be created within Wiltshire Council, so that Town and Parish Councils have the chance to ‘rent’ this warden as and when required.  A similar scheme is in place in Stratton St Margaret.

·         Community Volunteer Schemes

The Task Group recommends that Wiltshire Council encourage and support community volunteer groups who wish to target areas where dog fouling is a problem.

·         Funding

The Task Group recommends that the Area Board has a funding ‘pot’ allocated for tacking this aspect of anti-social behavior.  Initially, this funding would be available to those councils who wish to install dispensing units for dog waste bags.  Each application to be assessed on merit.

·         Developers Contribution

The Task Group recommends that developers pay a small amount per new home towards open spaces which are safe from dog fouling, with sufficient numbers of bins, and fences around play areas.

·         Reinstatement of Dog Licences

The Task Group recommends that the Area Board request Wiltshire Council to lobby the government for the reinstatement of licences.

·         Mapping

The Task Group recommends that all local councils utilise the mapping tools provided by Wiltshire Council to ensure that bins are strategically placed in problem areas.

·         New Residents Pack

The Task Group recommends that ‘New Residents Packs’ are issued to inform the public of litter collection dates, Council Tax rates etc, and promoting responsible pet ownership.

·         Publicity

The Task Group recommends that a high profile campaign be run to target this problem and raise awareness.  Things like a children’s colouring competition/design a poster scheme could be included to ensure all age groups are targeted.  Fines should always be publicized. 

Decision

• That the Dog Fouling Task Group would be asked to review and approve the recommendations prior to them being taken forward by the Area Board

• That the public’s opinion on the recommendations would also be sought via an online survey to be set-up by the Community Area Manager

• That the results of the public survey would be considered at the next Area Board meeting on 27 November 2013, with a view to taking some or all of the recommendations forward.

Points made at the meeting included:

·         That it would be good to work with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and get dog fouling signage on the Wilts & Berks Canal route.

·         That it would be helpful to have smaller posters of the “Bag it and Bin it” display board.

·         The need to educate young people about dog fouling.

·         That a “Dog Fouling Watch” could be started by local communities.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Lay for her update.