Dog owners today urged others with pooches to clean up not just after their own pet but other people's, too.

FELIXSTOWE: Dog owners today urged others with pooches to clean up not just after their own pet but other people's, too.

Owners in Felixstowe have launched a campaign to try and clean up the town after community leaders said the increasing amount of dog mess on its paths, prom and beaches was wrecking its reputation as a pleasant place to visit.

Now members of Felixstowe Dog Training Club are putting posters and free poo bags around the town to highlight the problem.

Club member Fred Simpson said: “It's reckoned that ten per cent of dog owners are irresponsible and don't pick up their dog poos.

“The easiest way for the council to control this mess would be to introduce dog bans or use the legislation which exists to fine irresponsible owners �1,000 if they don't clear up.

“But this is difficult to enforce and there haven't been any prosecutions in Suffolk since the scheme was introduced 20 years ago.

“It is obvious to the dog training club that the only people who can alleviate this problem are dog owners themselves.

“If ten per cent of the 90pc of responsible dog owners who pick up their dog poo could be persuaded to pick up any other poo in the vicinity the problem would be solved. No poos - no complaints.

“So far people are doing it - but reluctantly. What we really want to see is more of those who don't pick up, picking up.”

Town councillors say dog mess problems are getting worse in several areas of the town, particularly Landguard beach and The Dip at Old Felixstowe.

The council is investigating the use of extra powers to control dog fouling and improved signs to make people aware of the problems.

What should be the penalty for not clearing up after your dog? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk