Residents in part of Newtown have become so frustrated at the amount of dog fouling going on along their street that they have successfully campaigned for a new dog poo bin.
Mother Debbie Bridgewater found it particularly difficult to avoid the mess taking her children to and from school along Churchill Drive on the Barnfields housing estate.
With the support of neighbours, she contacted local councillor Gemma Bowker to see what could be done.
As a result, a new bin has been provided on the street and Powys County Council has undertaken street cleaning to clear the mess on the pavements.
“She has also been working closely with Newtown's local Neighbourhood Policing Team, in particular PCSO Graham Jennings, with patrols taking place in the area to crack down on dog fouling,” said Cllr Bowker.
Debbie said: "I was becoming increasingly concerned about the level of dog fouling on Churchill Drive, with one neighbour telling me a baby bottle was dropped in a pile and she only just prevented her child from putting it in her mouth.
“A Powys officer was shocked to see such a horrid mess and said it was one of the worst areas he had seen.
"The level of dog mess had reached unacceptable levels and I decided to act for the people of Barnfields.
“I hope that all those using the area to walk their dogs are responsible enough to carry bags with them and to use the new bin provided so that we can all walk around our local area safely."
In addition to causing a public nuisance for pedestrians, those pushing buggies and cyclists, dog fouling also poses a health risk.
It can harbour Toxocariasis parasites that in rare cases can lead to severe medical complications, including serious illness and even blindness. Young children are particularly at risk as they are most likely to transfer contaminated matter into their mouths.
Cllr Bowker added: "It is great to be contacted by residents who take action to tackle problems in the area and Debbie has been really proactive in highlighting the problem and seeking solutions. She and I have both spoken with Powys County Council officers about it.
"I would urge dog walkers in the area to make use of the new bin and to clean up after their pets. It is an offence to let dogs foul on public land and those caught doing so could face prosecution or a fixed penalty notice.
"Powys County Council has just run a survey about dog fouling and I will be monitoring the results of this closely.”
Photo: Debbie's children with the newly installed bin.
