A MAJOR crackdown has been launched to rid Dolgellau of discarded dog mess.

Following complaints from locals, Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns has recently been working with a partnership of local groups and agencies to improve the cleanliness of the Pencaeau area.

During a recent survey, a local Gwynedd councillor and Gwynedd’s streetscene manager witnessed 30 separate cases of dog fouling in communal areas frequently used by local children.

The local partnership tackling the problems includes Cllr Linda Morgan, Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd, Gwynedd Council’s Street Enforcement and Tidy Towns teams and North Wales Police.

Peter Simpson, Gwynedd Council’s streetscene manager, said: “This area of Dolgellau has a pleasant feel to it with great views, plenty of greenery and well-kept open spaces. It’s sad, therefore, that a few irresponsible dog owners are now allowing their pets to defecate in these areas, and especially as they are used as play areas by children.”

After the meeting, Cllr Morgan said: “We had a good meeting of the partners at the site and we’ve agreed what we can do to improve the situation.

“Firstly, a dog waste bin has been put up in the middle of the estate and awareness leaflets will be given to each household, together with free poop bags to dog owners.

“Tidy Towns will also work with local schoolchildren to produce posters highlighting the problem, and, importantly, street enforcement wardens will be on patrol at different times of day.”

In Gwynedd it is a criminal offence to take a dog onto designated children’s play areas, school grounds, sports pitches and certain beaches (April-September) or to allow your dog to foul any public space.

Offenders are liable to receive a £100 fixed penalty, with failure to pay potentially leading to a court summons and a fine of up to £1,000.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News