THE chairman of Highbridge Chamber of Trade said he is ‘absolutely delighted’ a new campaign has been set up to tackle the issue of dog fouling in Burnham-on-Sea.

Litter Free Coasts and Sea Somerset has launched several initiatives including a spray paint campaign, dog talks and community dog walks in a bid to crackdown on the problem.

Mike Murphy, chairman of Highbridge Chamber of Trade, said he has high hopes for the campaign.

“I am absolutely delighted. It is wonderful that we have an ongoing campaign which is aimed towards ridding our town of dog faeces,” Mr Murphy said.

“I think there should be a register of people who own a dog so they can be contacted with information about the dangers of dog fouling.

“I think that the dog talks and community dog walks are a good idea because they will educate dog owners as well as bringing them together.

“Dog owners need to be educated about the dangers of fouling because a lot of people don’t know how much of an impact dog faeces can have on the environment and people’s health.

“I hope the campaign helps to stop the problem of dog fouling for good.”

Chloe Walker-Panse from Litter Free Coasts Somerset, said the spray paint campaign is already in force and community dog walks and evening dog talks from local vets, nurses and dog wardens will highlight the importance of dog owners picking up after their pets.

“We have surveyed a 100m area in a local dog fouling hot spot. We spray the poo with chalk paint and make a note of the number and type (bagged/unbagged) and we then leave it for a couple of days to raise awareness, showing it isn’t going unnoticed,” Chloe said.

“The Clean Surrounds team then come and clean the area in time for the next spray a couple of days later.

“We record the numbers and types again and compare the results from the first spray.”

Litter Free Coasts and Sea Somerset is also looking for volunteers who will help them tackle the issue and urged anyone who wants to get involved to get in contact.

For more information about the campaign or to volunteer visit litterfreecoastandsea.co.uk/somerset/