New action groups will help tackle dog litter in Embsay-with-Eastby (From Craven Herald)

New action groups will help tackle dog litter in Embsay-with-Eastby

10:00am Sunday 27th January 2013 in News

Dog litter action groups are to be set up in Embsay-with-Eastby.

The move follows concerns expressed by residents about dog litter increasingly appearing throughout the villages, especially along Pasture Road and Kirk Lane and outside the primary school.

Parish councillors invited Craven District Council environmental health officer Cath Rayner and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority area ranger Phil Richards to the January meeting to talk about measures for tackling dog litter and the anti-social behaviour of some dog owners.

The two speakers emphasised the importance of the public acting as “eyes and ears” in monitoring and reporting dog littering and acknowledged the effectiveness of voluntary dog litter action.

Members appointed Coun Kate Dobson as lead member for establishing dog litter action groups, working closely with Craven District Council and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. It was also agreed that the issue of local dog litter should be placed on the agenda for forthcoming meetings of the parish council so that progress could be closely monitored.

“We know that many local people are very concerned about the increasing problem of local dog litter and we are hoping that these people will come forward and volunteer to take part in a dog litter action group,” said Coun Dobson.

“We have been assured that these action groups are an effective means of tackling the problem and so we will be engaging in publicity efforts to encourage people to join an action group and take part in the many activities such groups offer which can have a direct and positive impact on the behaviour of irresponsible local dog owners.”