Putting private firm on dog patrol is good news

THE decision by Rossendale Council to use a private company to look out for dog fouling and litter droppers and fine them on the spot is good news.

The council says it will be cost neutral to them because the cost of covering the scheme will come from the £75 fines issued.

Two people will patrol the borough issuing fines as and when they see dog fouling and litter dropping occurring.

It can only be good news for our area, and is the only realistic solution to solving the problem to an extent.

People need to be caught in the act to stand any chance of being prosecuted, and hopefully this will lead to more people thinking twice about what they are doing.

Of course, the long-term aim is surely for the scheme to become a drain on council resources, because the patrols are acting as such a deterrent that they don’t catch anyone, ever ... but sadly, we’re a long way from that being the case.

Naming and shaming those issued with fines should also be considered by the council too.