PLEASE DISPOSE OF YOUR DOG WASTEOur Grounds Maintenance team are busy grass cutting at the moment whilst the weather is dry. As well as the recreation grounds and Cemetery, our staff also cut the grass verges around the town. They continuously have to deal with dog faeces, and sometimes even human faeces, scattered in the grass they are cutting. This week they have encountered used condoms as well as the excrement.
As you can imagine, if they hit this disgusting mess with a strimmer, not only is it extremely unpleasant to have it splattered on your clothing and body, it is a huge health risk. Our staff are provided with PPE to protect themselves but, nevertheless, it is very unpleasant and not something they should have to deal with.
One particular area they have identified as a problem at the moment is the patch of grass at the bottom of Well Street, opposite Pear Tree bungalows. If you exercise your dog in this area and allow it to relieve itself, you must pick up afterwards.
Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000. Being unaware that the dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag available is not a reasonable excuse. Dog faeces can be placed in any bin around the town or can be taken home and put in the household waste.
We are also noticing more dog mess in the Pannier Market, which our caretakers have to remove. If you exercise your dog around the town and allow it to relieve itself in this area, again, you must pick it up. We do have CCTV cameras in the Pannier Market so will take action if it continues.
We cannot allow our staff to be continually exposed to these sorts of hazards and will take further action if it continues. If anyone can provide information as to who is allowing their dog to relieve itself in this area, please let us know.
