FRUSTRATED residents have launched a campaign in a bid to stop dog owners allowing their pets to foul on grass areas in their village.

People living in Marton have said the issue of dog fouling has escalated recently and is fast becoming a health hazard, particularly in areas where children often play.

Terry Wallis, Neighbourhood Watch Area co-ordinator for Marton, said that “matters became out of hand recently” when the contractor responsible for cutting the car park and river bank grass in the village recently found about 21 cases of dog owners failing to pick up their pets mess, making it difficult to carry out the work needed.

Terry said: “Dog mess is an eyesore and a health hazard and in our village we have had some complaints of dog fouling in the past, but matters became out of hand recently.

“Dog excrement has also been reported to me in several other areas of the village and it is selfish and unacceptable anti-social behaviour

“There are two bins in Marton village clearly marked for the disposal of dog bags. Our message is clear, clean it up.”

Under the Clean Neighbours and Environment Act 2005, councils have the power to issue fixed penalty orders to people who fail to clean up their dogs mess and a maximum fine of £1,000 can be issued in some cases.

Notices have now been placed around the village to try and send out a clear message to dog owners and Terry said he wanted to ask owners to ensure were keeping an eye on their dogs.

He said: “Nobody at all in our village is against residents keeping dogs and pets. All that we ask is that they are controlled, which is a reasonable request as we all take a pride in our village.”

Brian Dunn, dog warden and animal welfare officer for Ryedale District Council, has supported the villagers in helping to enforce a clear message to visitors to the village as well as residents.

He said: “The majority of Ryedale residents are responsible dog owners. Unfortunately the ones that aren’t cause problems like those in Marton and Ryedale District Council is committed to addressing these problems.

“I am delighted to work with the residents of Marton and hope that this scheme is a success.”