The Roundhill Society, a residents’ association, is trialling a novel way to highlight the issue of people not clearing up after their dogs. The group has purchased several specially designed stencils which they plan to spray high-visibility paint at certain locations on pavements throughout their neighbourhood where dog poo is a particular problem.
The idea to use stencils in a bid to persuade dog owners to pick after their pets came to a local resident who saw the stencils in use in a similar project in Shetland and thought it could be something that would work well in their area.
The Roundhill Society approached Cityclean who gave them the green light to conduct a short trial.
A spokesperson for the Roundhill Society said: “We do have a problem with dog poo that isn’t picked up and I thought this would be a good way to highlight the problem in a way that wasn’t too confrontational.”
Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment committee, said: “This is a really interesting idea that we want to support. I hope that we will be able to use the experience of this pilot as we work to improve other areas of the city.”
The Roundhill Society has conducted a street survey to determine the best locations for the stencils which use non-permanent paint designed to fade after a few weeks. The effect of the trial will also be assessed through a follow up survey.
The group will be working closely with their local PCSO, supported by Brighton & Hove City Council.
Vet charity PDSA is holding a series of free ‘dog MOTs’ as part of its national wellbeing tour. In partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, PDSA vet nurses will be on board the charity’s PetCheck vehicle carrying out free wellbeing checks for local dogs and giving advice on other pets. They will be at the following locations:
Tuesday 8 Sep, 10am to 5pm – Waitrose car park, Nevill Rd, Hove
Wednesday 9 Sep, 10am to 5pm – The Level, Lewes Rd, Brighton
Thursday 10 Sep, 10am to 5pm – Selsfield Drive Housing Office, Brighton
Friday 11 Sep, 9am to 4pm – The Hub, 179A Whitehawk Rd, Brighton
