THERE is no longer an excuse for Chipperfield dog owners not to clear up after their four-legged friends, following the installation of an additional dog waste bin on one of the village's footpaths and two new poop bag dispensers.

The new bin was recently installed on footpath 14, and an exisiting one re-sited half-way along Kings Lane as part of Chipperfield Parish Council's ongoing campaign to cut down on dog fouling in the area.

Free poop scoop bags are now freely available from Brits News at Chapel Croft, Chipperfield, and the porch of Keston Cottage on The Common and from the two new poop bag dispensers which have been placed on either side of The Common, at the corners of the church car park and cricket car park.

Members of the parish council are currently working with Dacorum Borough Council to promote responsible dog ownership and assist owners in cleaning up after their pooches, with a view to introducing the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act.

Once officially introduced, the act will impose a fixed penalty notice carrying a fine of £50 upon all owners seen to be allowing their dogs to foul a public area withhout cleaning it up.

Parish councillor Miss Liz Holliday, who has been at the forefront of the local dog fouling campaign from the onset, said: "The new act is without a doubt a step in the right direction, with a total of 200 bags having been used in the last 33 days.

"I'm pleased people are finally starting to take responsibility, although we still have a way to go."

For more information on the dog fouling campaign, telephone councillor Holliday on 01923 267483.

July 4, 2002 15:30