Canine canes may not be the answer to foul issue

A FOUL problem can be kept at arms length thanks to a new tool being trialled by Middlewich Clean Team.

Six clean up canes, worth £30 each, have been donated to the team to help them deal with the problem of dog fouling while they are out and about.

The canes safely store dog faeces in a disposable recycled plastic section which is attached to the end of a walking stick.

Clean Team member Chris Overton, right, who owns three dogs herself, initially welcomed the donation.

She said: "I thought it was a brilliant idea - I think dog fouling is absolutely disgusting and there's no need for it. The people who pick it up, bag it and leave the bags in the hedge are even worse but unless you see people doing it there's nothing you can do."

Robin Curry, Congleton Community Safety Partnership watch coordinator, has spearheaded the use of the canes.

He said: "I regularly attend community action meetings with local residents, the police and Congleton Borough Council, and litter and dog fouling are always hot issues with residents.

"The use of the clean up cane is a perfect example of how the council, police and voluntary and private sectors are working together to solve a common problem."

Businessman Neil Kippin, from Trophy Pet Foods, donated 30 canes to borough groups but Chris said she has her doubts about their practicality.

She said: "Anything that encourages people to clean up after their dog is great but unfortunately I don't think these will.

"You have to carry faeces to the bin on the end of the stick - you may as well just pick it up with a bag. You can only pick one lot up but where do you keep a spare end?

"They're a good idea in principle but I don't think they'll work."