A COMMUNITY ‘poop squad’ could shame thoughtless dog owners in Bridport into clearing up after their pets.

The volunteers, armed with poop-scoops and bags could provide a visible reminder to pet owners that they must clean up.

The idea was raised after pleas to town councillors to do something about the amount of dog mess on the town’s pavements, open spaces and beaches.

Dog lovers Denise and Paul Fletcher, of Coneygar Lane, used the public forum to make an appeal to the town council’s environment and social wellbeing committee this week to do something about the problem.

“Most responsible dog owners do pick up after their pets,” said Mrs Fletcher.

“But I think it is very important to have a presence, even if it is only a voluntary one, with no powers.

“Dog owners should have a sense of responsibility, but sometimes they need a little nudge. In nine out of ten cases, the offer of a bag would be enough.”

Coun Ros Kayes said she had been contacted by a number of residents about the issue, some of whom lived near grass.

“As people really care about this issue, we could try and get a group together, of maybe 20 people to talk about what role they might play.

“We could give them something to wear to show they are community dog wardens, and poop scoops.” Council leader Sarah Williams said that West Dorset now only had one dog warden for the whole district.

“If you see someone looking semi-official, you are less likely to offend, “ she said.

Coun Dave Rickard said it was the dog owners who were responsible and he was resistant to the idea of others following behind them to clear up.

“I think that it is disgraceful in the same way that people think they can drop rubbish all over the place. But get responsible dog owners together and do something to educate along the way – that isn’t nannying.”

The committee agreed to gauge interest in the formation of a volunteer group and put the issue to the West Bay Forum and the Asker Meadows steering group and request funding from West Dorset District Council.

Town clerk Bob Gillis said that the council had added extra dog bins in the Meadows, which were emptied every two days.