More staff needed to tackle dog fouling at primary school

The rise of dog fouling near Markethill Primary School was raised by Alderman Gareth Wilson at September’s monthly meeting of Council.

“I know there is a play park close to this area and I have raised this issue with Environmental Health and the dog warden but I am just curious, is this an area we could focus on to try and eliminate this problem,” asked Alderman Wilson.

Ulster Unionist councillor Sam Nicholson thanked Council’s strategic director Mark Parkinson and his team for their efforts tackling this problem but warned: “It is one of those things, we don’t want to let it get out of hand”.

His party colleague Alderman Jim Speers said he had a number of council officers in the area “two to three weeks ago” and had a discussion with them about dog fouling and the general cleanliness of the area.

Cllr Speers said ‘a shortage of bodies’ was having an impact on the issue.

He said: “During the discussion and since the last meeting of the Environmental Services Committee it has been made clear there are a number of vacant posts to be filled.

“I think that is having an effect on this matter and I believe the problem is such because there is a shortage of bodies.

“The officers are very receptive. I think to curb this problem a number of officers need to be in a position to hand out penalty notices to those who do not clean up after their dog.

Council’s strategic director Mark Parkinson confirmed Council is aware of this issue and is “moving forward with recruitment”.