PLANS are being made to make irresponsible dog walkers think twice about not picking up their pet’s waste, to try and solve a mounting problem on a Trowbridge estate.

After Cllr Edward Kirk went round the Seymour Estate with five helpers and picked up and bagged 102 deposits of dog mess from on the pavement, the road, the park and the children’s play area, he felt something had to be done.

On Friday morning he met PCSO Matt Till, Wiltshire Council dog warden Seb Williams, Selwood Housing’s Ben Gullam and resident Nancy Stevenson to discuss ways of tackling the problem.

Cllr Kirk said they would look into getting poo bag dispensers in the park and around the estate as well, putting in signs warning people not do leave their pet’s mess behind, reporting perpetrators to PCSOs and urging the community to act responsibly on the issue.

“It was a really productive meeting between different parties who are all eager to address this problem,” said Cllr Kirk.

“We did not pick up 102 bags this time but there was a significant amount of dog waste by Francis Street and the flats there, maybe just 10 or so this time.

“We talked about signs, reporting it to the PCSOs who are on the ground and they can maybe knock on doors warning people not to do this.

“Ultimately, we want the public to be responsible, take pride in the area and promote responsible dog ownership. It is so important to clear up dog mess.

“I am also worried about the risk of children playing close to dog poo.

“I am very pleased that we all got together and hopefully we can do something positive going forward to make people think twice about not cleaning up after their pets.

Sebastian Williams, dog control and animal welfare officer, said: “It was really helpful to visit the site and speak with local residents about the problems they are having.

“We will continue to visit and patrol the areas highlighted. Should any local residents witness anyone not clearing up after their dogs they can be reported to us on 0300 456 0107.”

A police spokesman said: “Dog owners must, by law, pick up any mess made by their pets in public places such as roads, footpaths, playing fields and parks.nforcement officers can issue on-the-spot fixed penalty notices.”