CHILDREN have got on board with a drive to rid dog fouling from Kearsley’s streets.

Primary school pupils have been told about the problems with dog fouling and the risk it can be to people’s health.

Dog owners caught allowing their pets to foul can end up with criminal record if they fail to pay a fine issued by environment enforcement officers.

Kearsley Area Forum has set aside up to £800 to tackle the dog fouling problem in the area after residents raised concerns.

Christine O’Reardon, an environmental enforcement officer, along with Cllr Derek Burrows, for Kearsley, paid a visit to Spindle Point Primary School, where he is the chairman of governors.

Cllr Burrows said: “There were some complaints of dog fouling in certain areas. We decided we would do something about that and put some triangular dog fouling signs up in the area where there had been problems.

“I spoke to the kids at Spindle Point Primary School. I told them it would help if they made sure their parents clean up after their dogs — I think it was well received. I also told them dog mess can cause blindness if it gets in your eyes.”

Complaints have been made about dog fouling in several areas including Springfield Road, Kearsley and Stoneclough. Jenny Miller, deputy head teacher at the school in Moss Lane, Kearsley, said: “We have a problem with dog fouling outside the school. Children learned about the importance of cleaning dog mess up.

“The kids were shocked with one of the facts, which was Bolton Council collects five bin bags of dog mess every day. I think children are aware it’s a problem in the area as we walk to church and there’s always dog mess. It is good to educate the children as they will educate others.”

Children from reception up to Year Six listened to the talks from Cllr Burrows and Ms O’Reardon.

As part of the clampdown, more signs warning people of the penalties they could face have been placed around hotspot areas, leaflets have been delivered to residents and given to school children encouraging people to report any information about culprits responsible for littering the environment.

Pupils at the school who have dogs were given bags to collect dog waste and told how to report information to Bolton Council.

People dog fouling and dropping litter will be issued with a £75 fixed penalty fine, which will be reduced to £50 if it is paid within 10 days.

Those who fail to pay the fine in time will be summonsed to court where, if convicted, they will have a criminal conviction and a maximum fine of £1,000.

Police community support officers also report any information to Bolton Council if they see pet owners failing to collect dog foul.

Bolton Council’s anti-social behaviour and CCTV surveillance vans will also be patrolling areas repeatedly bad for dog fouling to catch people offending, to deter people offending and to reassure residents.

People can report environmental crimes by calling 01204 336930 or visiting bolton.gov.uk/hatelitter.