Dog fouling was one of the three priorities identified by residents in the neighbourhood survey which was done by Thames Valley Police as part of setting up the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) in 2008. (The other two were speeding and inconsiderate parking.)
Dog fouling is not only unpleasant for residents but it can contain worms which cause serious eye disorders for adults and children.
The NAG, which also covers Hanslope and Haversham, has used part of its funding to buy and install dog bins in the three villages. At the same time, the parish councils have committed to have these emptied regularly which has to be done by a specialist contractor.
There are three dog bins in Castlethorpe; one by the entrance to Castle Field opposite the shop, one on South Street next to the gate to the footbridge and one outside the school where there had been quite a lot of dog mess – young children are particularly vulnerable to getting the eye disorders.
PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG & PUT THE BAG IN THE DOG BINS. DO NOT TAKE DOGS ONTO THE SPORTS GROUND – USE THE FENCED FOOTPATHS AT EITHER END.
Milton Keynes Council wardens, who are working with the NAG, will also be in the villages and will issue fixed penalty notices to dog owners who do not clear up after their dogs as required under the ‘Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996’. The penalties are £50 under a fixed penalty notice and up to £1000 if taken to court.
However, let’s use the new dog bins and keep our village clean and safe for our children.
