IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners in Haslington will be targeted by parish and borough councillors after a campaign was launched.

Following recent correspondence on the letters page of the Crewe and Nantwich Guardian and the subsequent attendance of a village resident Richard Robinson at a recent meeting of Haslington Parish Council, the parish council decided to take action.

It asked for the support of Cheshire East Councillor John Hammond to help initiate an action campaign with assistance from the borough council to target dog fouling and irresponsible dog owners.

The health hazards of dogs being allowed to foul the village pavements particularly a section of Crewe Road in the centre of the village and The Gutterscroft community playing fields were raised as specific areas of concern.

To highlight this issue the parish council in conjunction with environmental wardens, PCSO’s and residents are launching a campaign to try and eradicate the problem by using temporary chalk based paint and stencils to highlight around the offending dog excrement.

By doing this it is hoped that those responsible will recognise their anti-social behaviour and 'do the right thing' by cleaning up after their dog.

At the Haslington launch, Keith Davies, Cheshire East environmental warden, said: "Cheshire East wardens support and promote responsible dog ownership through education, enforcement and community events.

"I would encourage, all dog walkers in the village to clean up and appropriately dispose of mess from their dogs at all times."

Richard Hovey, chairman of Haslington Parish Council, added: "The parish council is fully behind this initiative, and have today provided notices to be fixed onto all our parish notice boards, which include contact details and advice from Cheshire East Dog Wardens."

Richard Robinson, Haslington resident added: "I am delighted with the response from the parish council following my initial complaint, and really hope that the offending dog owners in the village take the necessary action to stop this anti-social and health threatening behaviour – please, pick it up."