A COMMUNITY group on Llandudno’s West Shore are turning their attention to dog fouling, ahead of Keep Wales Tidy’s Spring Clean campaign later this month.
‘Friends of the West Shore’ were founded in 2011 and have grown to an active paying membership of up to 45 people, while more than 1,000 followers make up their Facebook group.
The group is dedicated to improving to amenities of the West Shore Promenade in Llandudno.
Members of the group are all members of the public who either reside on the West Shore or use the area on a regular basis.
Litter picking, painting, weeding, edging, planting, and keeping disabled access sand free are just some of the group’s activities to maintain a clean coast, having also installed a second flower boat.
They are now focusing on dog fouling, which has become an increasingly big problem in recent times, and have created an active plan to remedy the situation.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Over the last 6 months we have seen the dog fouling problem get worse and worse around West Shore, it is as if when people stop bothering then others think ‘why should I bother?’.
“Our intention, and hope, is to encourage people to get back to bothering to pick up after their pets.”
They have received permission from Conwy County Borough Council (whose statutory team normally carry out public cleaning duties) to use fluorescent spray paint and stencils to highlight dog mess and the nearest disposal points, which, along with posters, have been provided to them by partners Keep Wales Tidy.
An example of the work being done with spray paint and stencils, in marking areas for greater dog-walker awareness
Some of the plans already in place are four designated areas from which to start the drive, with a team of eight prepared to monitor and spray.
Another creation dubbed ‘Dog Angels’ will be on hand, wearing arm bands branded ‘DOG ANGEL ASK ME’ when walking their own dogs to advise on locations of disposal bins and hand out bags.
Ysgol San Siôr pupils will also create posters to support the campaign.
“We need to spread the message that abandoning dog muck on the pavements and footpaths that we all use is completely unacceptable.
For those interested in finding out more about West Shore maintenance and improvement, and how they can help, you are welcome to join the group’s Facebook page.
Friends of the West Shore host weekly working parties, while meetings occur every six weeks at the Lilly Hotel on West Parade, West Shore Promenade, Llandudno.