THE issue of dog waste not being cleared has become a growing concern in Dursley – with many demanding action against “lazy” and “irresponsible” owners.

One woman told the Gazette she spotted 11 different piles of dog mess during a 10 minute walk from Kingshill into the centre of the town, while many others have spoken out about their increasing frustration.

Dursley Town Council are aware of the problem and the clerk has has reported several incidents to the animal welfare officer and neighbourhood warden from Stroud District Council.

Vanessa Cox is just one of many living in the town who has grown fed up with the seemingly growing amount of dog waste on pavements and grassy areas.

“As a responsible dog owner I believe that there is an issue with mess not being picked up and it seems to have gotten worse over the past few months,” she said.

“Last week, out of interest, I collected other people’s dog mess on my walk from Kingshill into town. I picked up 11 piles. It’s disgraceful. There is no need for it, it’s just plain lazy.

“People of all ages need to remember that picking up after your dog is your responsibility, as unfortunately it isn’t just the younger generation leaving it behind.

“People need educating. We need more bins and maybe more signage. The ones sprayed onto the paths occasionally seemed effective but maybe we need people to start confronting those they see leaving it behind, though that’s probably easier said than done.”

Michele Barnes, of Cam, told the Gazette the problem extended further than Dursley.

She said: “There is a big problem around Cam, especially Woodfields.

“I was walking my dog this morning and somebody had let their dog fowl on the pavement along Woodfield Road. I picked it up and put it in dog bin with mine but it shouldn't be left to other people to pick up other people's mess.

“The law definitely needs to be enforced and in the worst places perhaps some sort of camera could be used to catch them.”

Ken Eales of Dursley Rugby Club urged the Gazette to mention the club’s grounds.

He said: “People think exercising dogs on the rugby pitches is okay. It’s unbelievable. There isn't a weekend that goes by when we don't have to pick up dog waste from our pitches.

“Dogs should be on leads on our property - but when requested the indignation on the dog owners faces is a sight to behold.”

When raised with the clerk of Dursley Town Council, he responded: “I have been reporting such matters across the town to the district council’s animal welfare officer and new neighbourhood warden.

“Last week they have been patrolling various areas of the town and refreshing the stencils on the footpaths to remind dog owners not to leave anything behind.”

If you would like to report any issues relating to dog waste contact SDC on environmental.health@stroud.gov.uk.