Superduper pooper posters!

WINNING design . . . Thomas Higginbottom and Councillor Sue Dearden

THERE’S no foul play from youngsters in Shaw thanks to their new poster campaign urging dog owners to tidy up after their pets.

Pupils from East Crompton St James, East Crompton St George’s CE and Rushcroft were tasked with designing posters reminding dog owners of their responsibilities.

The campaign was organised by Oldham Council and The Friends of Dunwood Park and saw three winners from each school win a £25 high street voucher.

Thomas Higginbottom (11) was chosen as the overall winner and received a £65 voucher as well as a certificate.

All the winning designs will now be turned into posters and displayed at Dunwood Park.

Councillor Sue Dearden, deputy cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: “Oldham Council and the Friends group are committed to ensuring Dunwood Park stays free of dog mess.

“We target areas, like the park, the best we can with our resources, but we need help to tackle dog fouling and these posters will hopefully help remind people that they need to act responsibly and clear up after themselves.

“This a problem across the borough, not just in Shaw, and it is disgusting that some dog owners are not cleaning up after their pets. Dog fouling is anti-social and a health hazard — especially in an area where families and young children play. There is no excuse for it.

“We know that most people who take their pets out for a walk are responsible and take pride in their area.

“However, it is those few irresponsible owners who create this problem. If we can we will attempt to identify these individuals and take enforcement action against them.”

Anyone caught failing to remove their dog’s muck will be given an £80 fixed penalty notice. Failure to pay within 14 days could result in a court appearance and a £1,000 fine.