Campaign to get rid of dog mess on the streets gets into gear

THE campaign to reduce the amount of dog excrement on the streets of Frome is continuing to gather momentum as the team prepare for a busy November.

Local resident, Adam Baylis, who launched the campaign in May said, “Frome has a problem with dog poo in its streets and public areas. Fortunately, it is only a small minority of dog owners that cause the problem. In fact, the vast majority of people in Frome would like to see something done about it, if only they could find the right way to contribute.

“This campaign is a positive campaign designed around education, celebrating considerate dog owners and making it easy for people to do the right thing. What’s more, it’s a campaign that everyone can get involved in.

“We’ve secured funding for a new bin in the Trinity area of Frome – a particular hotspot for dog poo. Children at Vallis School have created some fantastic artwork which we will turn into posters. In addition, the Mayor has paid a visit to Selwood and Vallis schools to talk to them about dog poo. The visits were in response to letters the children wrote about things they liked and didn’t like in Frome. Unfortunately dog poo was near the top of the list for both schools.

“We’ve done lots of engagement work with local residents and dog owners through our questionnaire and interviews. It’s been a powerful reminder to us that by far, most dog owners are considerate. We met owners with multiple bags stuffed up their sleeves and in their pockets every time they leave the house. One dog owner also explained that he thought it was the duty of dog owners to take it with good grace if someone points out that your dog has left waste. Sometimes though it’s not the dog owner’s fault. We do need more bins because often the bins we have are overflowing.

“November is when the campaign really kicks into gear. The new bin will be arriving in the Trinity area, we’ll be putting up posters in the streets, making free bags available and providing stickers for people to put on their wheelie bins offering for people to put their bagged dog waste in them.

“We also have a community litter pick planned for Saturday 4th November – free food and drinks for all volunteers and the chance to make your local area tidy.

“The great thing about this campaign is that everyone can get involved. If you’re a local business you can get a sign to put in your window and some free bags, and if you’re a home owner you can get a sign for your window or fence and a sticker for your bin.

“We’re also looking for volunteers to help us put up signs around Frome and to help us run the campaign. If you don’t live in Trinity area, but you think your area needs some support to get tidy, then we’d love to help you too.”

For more information, contact: frome.dog.poo.campaign@gmail.com