A CAMPAIGN launched about four years ago to tackle dog fouling in a village is to continue.

The initiative began after the problem was highlighted in an Oakworth community survey.

Dog bag dispensers were installed at various locations across the village, and earlier this year new signage – encouraging dog owners to 'bag it and bin it' – was erected at several hotspots.

Now Keighley Town Council has agreed to maintain its support of the venture.

Funding through the ward improvement pots of Oakworth-based town councillors Luke Maunsell and Mark Curtis will pay for a year's worth of dog bags, plus additional dispensers.

Cllr Maunsell, who heads up the scheme, says: "I am pleased that the project is continuing.

"The free bags are well used and help encourage dog walkers to make sure they pick up after their pets.

"Whilst the vast majority of dog walkers do clean up without any problem, there are always exceptions, and that's why these bags are there.

"I'm glad too that following a request to Bradford Council, new signs were put up to further deter fouling.

"If anyone has suggestions for additional sites for dispensers, please get in touch."

Funding has also been allocated from the two councillors' ward improvement pots for other projects in the village.

A new bench and litter bin will be placed in Providence Lane.

And funding will provide for the continued maintenance and installation of a remembrance soldier Christmas light, first funded last year.

Cllr Maunsell added: "I am delighted that the funding for these two projects was backed by the town council's policy and resources committee.

"The need for a bench and bin was highlighted by residents in my recent community survey. It's an area of the village that definitely requires the provision and I am looking forward, once permissions are agreed, to both the bench and bin being in situ."

Speaking about the remembrance soldier Christmas light, Cllr Curtis said: "It proved to be a popular feature of the festivities last year, and it's great to see that the light will continue. It is important to always remember those who have fallen, and I know this helps us to do so in Oakworth."

* A short remembrance ceremony will take place at the war memorial in Oakworth Park on Sunday, November 12, starting at around 10.45am. There will be prayers and tributes, and wreaths will be laid.