KEIGHLEY residents are bleaching pavements to stop dogs fouling outside their homes.

Householders in Exley Head are particularly targeting one dog, which allegedly causes most of the mess.

Bradford Council wardens are also carrying out regular patrols to identify the owner of the dog, which has been active in Oakworth Road and Wheathead Lane.

The bleach campaign was started by resident Steph Bottomley, and her actions are now being copied by neighbours.

Ward councillor Jan Smithies said Steph swilled the pavement outside her front gate with a bleach solution every other day to ward off the pest.

Cllr Smithies added: “Several neighbours are doing the same after reading dogs are put off ‘doing their business’ by the smell of the bleach.

“The dog clearly has a dietary or bowel problem, which makes the extensive mess on the pavements cover a wide area.

“It is very difficult for people to avoid on foot or with pushchair wheels, which in turn trails the mess into the children’s centre and playgroup, as well as people’s homes.”

Steph said it is a “real pain” to carry out a daily bleaching because she regularly looks after her grandson.

She added: “I have to be careful not to spill anything on my clothes and shoes, but so far it appears to be working as we have had no return of the horrendous mess.

“I’m hoping if myself and my neighbours keep it up, it will put off the dog long enough to change the owner’s routine as we usually get the dog mess at least a couple of times a week.”

Cllr Smithies warned the bleaching campaign might simply shift the problem to another nearby road.

She and fellow ward councillor Adrian Farley believe the best solution would be to catch the dog’s owner.

Cllr Smithies added: “We have wardens discreetly observing this area on a regular basis at the times residents think the owners are walking their dog or dogs, but so far we haven’t caught anyone in the act.

“When we do they will be prosecuted, so any information from the public will be gratefully received and followed up. We did get a couple of tip-offs after my last appeal, but neither of them were the dog and owner we are looking for.”

The two councillors first highlighted the problem with the specific dog last December, and suggested a temporary camera be installed. Council wardens conducted surveillance in the Exley Head area at the time.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to The Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG.