Two communities are to pilot a new anti-dog fouling project in Craven which has proved a massive success elsewhere.

Skipton’s Greatwood and Horse Close estate committee and Glusburn Dog Fouling Focus Group have been chosen to champion the Green Dog Walkers scheme which was devised in Falkirk, Scotland.

Craven which hopes it will be taken up by other communities across the district, has bought the £500 licence which permits it to run the project.

It calls on dog owners to “take the pledge” and promise to clean up after their animals.

Dog owners wear green arm bands and their dogs a green collar and they also carry extra bags to give out as a “friendly” reminder not to foul the countryside.

Karen McIntyre, Greatwood and Horse Close community development adviser, said a residents’ consultation revealed that top of the list of priorities for action was dog fouling.

They learned about the Falkirk project from a radio broadcast, got in touch with the organisers, were very impressed and decided to buy the licence so they could press on with the scheme.

Karen said: “Craven Council stepped in and said it was a good initiative and they wanted to introduce it district wide and said they would get the licence.

“Now we’re waiting to get on with it as soon as possible.”

Jill Hirst, founder of Glusburn Dog Fouling Focus Group, which is to feature on a BBC 1 programme in March, said: “The Green Dog Walking Scheme was extremely successful. We’re looking forward to introducing it in South Craven.

“We have already been successful with the free bags which we give out thanks to funding from Sutton, Glusburn and Cross Hills parish councils.

“A recent count on a small country lane next to Glusburn School has gone from 75 piles to 23 within 12 weeks,” she said.

Sharon Hudson, communications and partnerships manager at Craven District Council, said: “We have purchased a licence to enable community groups in Craven to run Green Dog Walkers schemes across Craven.

“We were keen to replicate it here.

“We are going to be running the two pilot schemes initially and then extend it to interested community groups across the district.”