It's not a new problem and the Parish Council has already promised a major initiative soon to tackle it. Nevertheless, one villager has started his own campaign to highlight the issue of dog mess on our streets and his efforts have already been widely welcomed.

Earlier this week, Martin Shaw posted a picture on the village Facebook Group of dog mess left outside his house on St. John's and complained strongly about owners who fail to clear up after their dogs.

Messages of support poured in with people criticising the attitude of irresponsible dog owners. Comments included:-

"It's terrible - I notice loads when walking around village - it's disgusting and lazy."

"The lanes are covered in dog mess. Sad issue."

"It has always been a problem in the village. There is a large fine if you can get evidence." Door cam?"

One of of Martin's neighbours believes he may have captured evidence of the dog fouling incident on his camera.

Martin is calling for the following action -

• More emphasis on the criminal offence and the fine for transgression.
• More education on the health aspects including children playing or going to/from school and adults walking on pavements at night.
• More availability of poo bags and bins.
• More “neighbourhood watch” style observation and calling out offenders (including any door cams/CCTV evidence.)

There is more information about this on the NYC website
https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/environment-and-neighbourhoods/animals/dogs/dog-fouling

At its meeting in December, the Parish Council agreed to take action after a number of complaints from people in the village and the issue is expected to be discussed again at a PC meeting in the near future.