Issue - meetings

To consider a report by Councillor David Smith, Lead Member for Public Realm (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s approval of the Anti-Fouling Strategy and next steps as described in the Action Plan.

RESOLVED that Cabinet  –

(a)        approve the Anti-Fouling Strategy and agree the next steps as described in the Action Plan (attached as Appendix 1 and 2 to the report respectively), and

(b)        requests officers to conduct a study into the suitability and effectiveness of Dog Control Orders.

Councillor David Smith presented the report seeking Cabinet’s approval of the Anti-Fouling Strategy and next steps as described in the Action Plan.  The Anti-Fouling Strategy (Appendix 1) and Action Plan (Appendix 2) together with members’ key questions (Appendix 3) arising from a recent seminar had been attached to the report.

Members were reminded that dog fouling was a key issue of concern for residents and the Strategy had been prepared in response to the problem.  Councillor Smith elaborated upon the three main areas identified in the Strategy which had been assigned a specific Head of Service as follows –

·        Communications and Marketing – Jamie Groves

·        Collection Arrangements – Steve Parker

·        Enforcement – Graham Boase

Each area had an action plan to ensure effective delivery within appropriate timeframes and the impact of the Strategy would be measured against indicators to evaluate effectiveness.  Reference was also made to XFOR, the company contracted to carry out environmental enforcement, including dog fouling.

Councillor Bobby Feeley expressed concern that despite responsible disposal of dog mess residue was left behind and she asked whether consideration could be given to banning dogs from specific places such as playgrounds.  Councillor David Smith responded that Dog Control Orders were being considered as a separate issue to the Strategy.  Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill did not support the implementation of dog control areas because dog owners had a duty to exercise their dogs and could only do so safely in particular areas.  During a brief debate the Head of Planning and Public Protection (H:P&P) advised of the legalities of Dog Control Orders and highlighted the need for a comprehensive review and consultation in order to determine appropriate control measures within the county.

Cabinet welcomed the Strategy as a means of addressing the problem of dog fouling within the county and applauded the initiative.  The Leader hoped for more specific detail within that document and felt another members’ seminar might prove useful.  Councillor Joan Butterfield highlighted particular problem areas at Brickfield Pond and Marine Lake and sought assurances that XFOR would not only be concentrating only on easy targets but on difficult problem areas.  The H:P&PP reported upon the work of XFOR in tackling the issue of dog fouling confirming they had been instructed to be visible in all communities and not just to target easy areas.  Councillor Arwel Roberts stressed the need to enforce the Dog Control Order in Rhuddlan Playing Fields which was being violated.  In terms of communication, Councillor Roberts highlighted the need for accurate translations and appropriate contact with Town and Community Councils. 

Councillor David Smith asked that members let him know of any particular problem areas which needed targeting.  He moved the recommendations contained within the report and proposed an amendment that a study also be conducted into Dog Control Orders.

RESOLVED that Cabinet  –

(a)       approve the Anti-Fouling Strategy and agree the next steps as described in the Action Plan (attached as Appendix 1 and 2 to the report respectively), and

(b)       requests officers to conduct a study into the suitability and effectiveness of Dog Control Orders.