A CRACKDOWN on dog fouling by residents is proving a success.

Communities across the region have signed up to ‘Dog Watch’, a scheme which aims to help locals who want to stamp out dog fouling in their area.

The community based scheme sees volunteers don a Dog Watch hi-visibility vest and actively patrol their own areas on the look out for dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets.

It is hoped their presence will deter irresponsible owners from allowing their dogs to foul.

Signs and banners have also been put up advising would-be offenders they are entering a ‘no fouling zone’ and are being monitored.

Andy Devine, from Broughton, is co-ordinating Dog Watch in his village and says the scheme has been a “huge success” in his area.

He said: “I initially got involved because I’m a dog owner myself and I felt passionately that we needed to work together to sort out the issue of dog fouling locally.

“I’d encourage other communities in Flintshire to get involved in Dog Watch – it really doesn’t take up that much of your time and the results are worth it.”

Dog Watch, which has been delivered by Flintshire County Council in partnership with Prawf Cymru Wales Probation and Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch, involves residents acting as advocates who offer out dog fouling bags and act as a link between the council and the community.

Two pilot schemes have been running in Flintshire since the spring; one on the Bryn Awelon Estate in Mold and one in Broughton.

A further scheme has also been launched in Central Park, Connah's Quay.

Councillor Dennis Hutchinson, Flintshire’s executive member for leisure and public protection, said the project is helping to strengthen the links between the council and the community.

“Dog Watch has proved to be a very successful scheme,” he said.

“Such is the scheme’s success that we are now looking to extend it further. We would love to hear from voluntary groups, tenants and residents’ associations, or residents who just care about where they live, and urge them to get in touch with us, so that they can set up their own Dog Watch initiative with the support of Flintshire County Council.”