Dog fouling in Church Eaton has reached unacceptable levels claims a leading Stafford Borough Councillor this week.

Councillor Barry Stamp said he was supporting Church Eaton Parish Council's call to all local residents to tidy up after their dogs.

"Over the last few months the problem of dog fouling in the Village has grown and is now a real problem. Church Eaton is a picturesque little village and, as such, hopes to do well in this year's Best Kept Village competition. However some verges and pavements are now littered with dog faeces. While in itself this is not pleasant, and certainly makes the village look untidy, there is a far more worrying aspect to the problem - namely to risk to children's health. It would however be wrong to blame all the dog owners in the village, as the vast majority are extremely responsible and clear up after their dog. It appears that the problem lies with just a handful of residents and I, and the Parish Council, would urge these people to take more pride in the Village and clear up the mess their dog leaves behind! The Borough Council does have powers to prosecute and the courts could impose fines of up to £1000. I will be asking the Council's Dog Wardens to work with the Parish Council and local residents to take this action if the owners of offending dogs can be identified," said Councillor Stamp.

"The Borough Council provides "pooper scooper bags" free of charge, and I am hopeful a supply of these will be available in the Village very soon. A few seconds spent cleaning up after your dog will not only improve the looks of Village, but will also prevent a child perhaps losing his or her sight. I would urge all owners to take full responsibility for the dogs and tidy up after them," added Councillor Stamp.