Foul problem is spoiling our tourist town (From Barry And District News)

Foul problem is spoiling our tourist town

A BARRY Island resident has kicked up a stink over the amount of dog mess and other rubbish discarded on pavements in his area.

Robert Morgan, of Gwennol y Mor, said he was embarrassed by the state of the streets when he took his visiting Canadian relatives for a walk over the Christmas period.

Mr Morgan, an IT officer, said: "This was my relatives' first trip to Wales.

"I was eager to show them around the island, but my eagerness soon turned to disgust and embarrassment by the amount of dog mess on the paths and pavements.

"It seemed to be everywhere. Why doesn't the council do something to improve the situation for the people who actually live here?

"Don't we who live on Barry Island pay enough council tax? I must be paying around 100 a month in council tax.

"I know the vast majority of dog owners are law abiding and responsible, but a small minority are not,"

Mr Morgan added: "They spoil local areas not only for residents, but visitors too.

"This may seem like a trivial matter but it's not. Barry Island is a beautiful place to live, let's keep it that way.

"My relatives thought Barry had tremendous potential as a town, but sometimes it just looks like the council can't be bothered."

Vale council operational manager Clifford Parrish said: "The council is very pro-active in promoting responsible dog ownership, and since the launch of its'Bag it and Bin it' education and awareness campaign in 2004, complaints about dog fouling have reduced by over 85 per cent.

"Unfortunately, however, there is still a small minority who allow their dogs to foul and we would like to remind residents that anyone who fails to clean up after their dog can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of 75, increasing to 1,000 if prosecuted."