PRIMARY school children are invited to design a poster to combat dog fouling in Bexley.

Bexley Council is asking children in years three to six to illustrate the message ‘Clean It Up’ in a bid to encourage dog owners to clean up the streets.

The winner will see their poster displayed on more than 50 roadside advertising panels across the borough for two weeks later this year.

Bexley Council’s cabinet member for the environment and public realm Councillor Gareth Bacon said: “Dog fouling is an ongoing problem but one that could easily be prevented.

“If those responsible are reminded of the consequences, we’re hoping it will have an impact on their behaviour.

“We know it’s the minority of dog owners that are irresponsible, but their actions affect many others.”

Hook Lane Primary School student Katie Rackstraw, 10, is championing the competition after she alerted the council to the problem of dog fouling in her area.

She said: “I was just fed up with the people who think it is ok to leave their dog’s mess everywhere, it’s just horrible.”

Both Katie and Cllr Bacon will be among those on the judging panel.

Primary schools across the borough have been invited to enter the competition, which ends on April 19.

Entries can also be handed into any Bexley Council library.

To report dog fouling online, visit bexley.gov.uk/dogfouling.