A "FOUL" problem is plaguing the streets of Cleethorpes – and residents are being urged to report it.
Following the arrival of the dark nights, the amount of dog excrement being left on the streets has increased – disgusting residents who are forced to dodge it every day.
The issue was raised at the latest meeting of Cleethorpes South Forward action group, with residents desperate for "irresponsible" and "selfish" dog owners to clean up after their animals.
They claim faeces are all over the pavements of William Street, Bowling Lane, Cuttleby, Crowhill Avenue, Rutland Street and St Peter's Avenue.
Beryl Rees-Smith, chair of the environmental sub-group for South Forward, said: "We are once again concerned about the amount of dog fouling down our streets.
"Although we know the majority of residents with dogs take responsibility for any mess, it is clear there is a small minority who are not taking responsibility and leaving our streets with a dog fouling problem.
"These people think with the dark mornings and dark evenings they won't be seen and that it is the perfect excuse not to clean up after their pets. Well there is no excuse and they should be ashamed."
Dog fouling is controlled by the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, under which the maximum penalty for failing to clean up after your dog is £1,000 in a magistrates' court.
However, North East Lincolnshire Council can issue a fixed penalty notice of £50 if its Community Pride officers catch someone in the act.
There are special bins to dispose of dog waste, but it can also be disposed of in normal litter bins.
Deputy leader of NELC and Croft Baker ward councillor Mick Burnett said: "I have had a few people complaining about people not cleaning up after their dogs have fouled on the streets and it isn't on.
"In my view, it has started again because of the dark nights – people think they cannot be seen."
South Forward will be contacting other resident groups to find out the extent of the problem, before organising a meeting with NELC's Community Pride team.
Chairman Keith Brown said: "We want anyone who has a problem in their street or who knows of a particular affected area to tell the Community Pride team and give them as much information as possible.
"This is thoughtless behaviour and must be stopped."
Councillor Dave Bolton, portfolio holder for community safety and neighbourhoods, added: "At this time of year we do experience an increase in the number of complaints and urge residents to contact us so we can target our patrols in the areas where dog fouling is a particular problem.
"The council places a high emphasis on ensuring that our streets are maintained to a high standard and kept clean.
"This includes ensuring owners are responsible for their dogs and clean-up after them."
If you are suffering from a dog fouling problem, contact the community pride team on 01472 325823, e-mail communitypride@nelincs.gov.uk or contact South Forward on 01472 692096.
