MACHYNLLETH residents must “stand up” and report irresponsible dog owners who are allowing their pets to foul the town’s streets, councillors have insisted.

The town council agreed that something needed to be done to end the problem of dog fouling, but admitted that action could not be taken against irresponsible dog owners without the support of the council and members of the public.

Cllr Monica Atkins said she had been approached by residents who were unhappy at the dog fouling problem in the town and said something needed to be done.

She said: “People are telling me there’s a problem. Where do we go for help to try and get the town clear of dog muck?”

Councillors warned that solving the problem would need the support of members of the public who must be prepared to provide evidence to Powys County Council about those responsible for the problem so fines could be issued.

Cllr Richie Gaskell said: “It’s an issue for the public. Unless the public name and shame them, the county council can’t do anything about it.”

Cllr Glenda Jenkins added: “Most dog owners are responsible. It’s the irresponsible ones who don’t care. What can you do with people who don’t care?

“We need the co-operation of the people who live here. All of us should stand up and report this when it happens. People have got to take responsibility. There’s no use complaining about it. It’s up to us to do something about it as we can’t rely on irresponsible dog owners.”

Cllr Diana Lewis said: “It’s the owners, they’re responsible. If they won’t do it, then people need to stand up and say ‘I saw you’ and provide the evidence.”

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