Dog fouling worries in Maghaberry

James Crothers wrote to the Ulster Star claiming the problem can ‘no longer be brushed aside’ and urged Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to do what they can to resolve the problem once and for all. He said that though he had only lived in the area for a short while, he noticed the problem had worsened and urged dog owners to take responsibility for their pets. “I have lived in the area for the last 12 months,” he said. “The road leading up to the school is nothing more than a dog toilet. “This village is expanding with more people and pets moving in. Something needs done now.” He said he hoped the council would do what it could to help sort out the problem. He said the problem is not only a health hazard for many living in the area but also an eyesore for many residents. He said that he contacted the council but was disappointed with its response over the matter. “I asked for more signage in the area only to be told that there had been a recent count of the dog signage in the Maghaberry area and that there is currently sufficient signage,” he said. “Plus even if there was not sufficient signage, due to the changes of the council there is no signage being purchased in the foreseeable future.” He went onto say, “The Dog Warden went on to add, that in the old Castlereagh Borough, there was temporary signage which was placed in ‘high complaint’ areas attached to lamp posts or painted onto footways. “The Dog Warden also told me that the signage was popular amongst residents in Castlereagh and councillors but yet it cannot be used. “I find this disgraceful, the council are doing the bare minimum to combat dog fouling in the council area and yet there are simple signs that can be placed in the area which has been proven to combat the problem.” A spokesperson for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said it was currently investigating the complaint about dog fouling in the Maghaberry area. “There are currently ‘no fouling signs’ in the area and the council will continue to undertake regular patrols to ensure that all dog owners and dog walkers are cleaning up after their dogs,” the spokesperson said. “The council would urge residents to please report dog fouling issues and help the council cut this problem down by calling 028 9049 4500 and help the council keep local communities clean.”