Action required to end dog fouling problem in Silsden (From Keighley News)

Action required to end dog fouling problem in Silsden

10:50am Sunday 27th January 2013 in Keighley

Silsden politicians could spearhead action to combat an increase in dog fouling.

Town councillors feel Bradford Council budget cuts leave them with no alternative but to find a solution themselves.

Silsden mayor, Councillor Chris Atkinson, believes most of the fouling occurs during evenings and weekends when council wardens are not working.

He spoke out after an Aberdeen doctor, visiting Silsden, highlighted dog mess in Silsden Park and the canal towpath in a letter to the Keighley News.

Coun Atkinson has asked for the matter to be put on the agenda for the next town council meeting on February 7.

He said: “Given recent budget cuts, it looks like the solution to this will have to be local.

“I am concerned the wardens can only operate between 9am and 5pm, and I suspect the majority of dog fouling takes place outside these hours.”

Town and district councillor, Adrian Naylor, said he had met with Bradford Council’s wardens and clean teams, who were actively working on the issue.

There was an extensive campaign to raise awareness of dog fouling in Silsden, Steeton and Addingham in 2010, supported by all local councils and schools.

He said: “Three years on it is perhaps time to consider running a similar campaign again.”