Parents at 'wits end' with Barnehurst alleyway plagued by dog mess (From News Shopper)

Parents at 'wits end' with Barnehurst alleyway plagued by dog mess

11:42am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Top Stories By Kelly Smale

A BARNEHURST alleyway plagued by dog mess is forcing parents and children to do "the poo dance" during the school run.

The footpath between Heath Way and Northumberland Way is used by people going to and from Barnehurst Infant and Junior school and Normandy Primary School.

Mum-of-two Katie Melville, who uses a pushchair, said: "If it gets on the wheels it comes in my house.

"It's that bad I had to get someone to lift the buggy through the alley."

The 30-year-old, of Heath Way, added: "If a child gets it in their eyes they would be blinded."

The Federation of Barnehurst Schools has put up a notice asking dog walkers to consider the children.

Executive headteacher Justin Smith said: "We are working hard with the community to ensure the children's passage to and from school is a clean and pleasant one."

Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator for Heath Way, Claire Watts, says she has reported the problem to Bexley Council a number of times.

The mother-of-four said: "It's disgusting and unhygienic.

"Sometimes they take the trouble to pick it up and put it in bags but then lob it in the fence."

Ms Watts is calling on the council to install dog bins and put up signs reminding owners to clear up after their pet.

The 45-year-old said: "We have to do the poo dance on the way to school.

"We are at our wits end."

Neighbourhood Watch put up posters warning dog owners but someone has torn them down.

A council spokeswoman said the footpath was going to be thoroughly cleaned and the path stencilled, reminding dog owners to clear up after their pet.

She said: "Although the council provides dog bins in parks and open spaces, they are not placed on the highway as they are often viewed as offensive especially during warm summer months.

"They also attract vandalism and other forms of anti-social behaviour."

Colyers ward councillor, Chris Taylor, says there are concerns about installing dog bins as they smell during the summer months.

He said: "Residents should be commended for taking these sorts of issues up. I fully support their sentiments."

Dog fouling

Dog faeces can contain toxicara - a serious infection that can cause blindness and liver disorder in humans.

It is illegal not to clear up the mess left by your dog as soon as it has fouled.

A fixed penalty notice is issued to those in charge of the dog at the time, but failure to pay within 14 days can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

To report dog fouling, call 0208 303 7777.