Dog Fouling Problem in Ilminster

Despite the local council putting up polite notices asking dog owners to 'bag it and bin it' and warning of possible £1000 fines for dog fouling along the footpath/cyclepath (Sustrans Route 33) from Ilminster to Donyatt and Chard the problem continues! On a walk along the footpath this morning as well as the usual problem of piles of unbagged dog excrement all along the path, rather bizarrely several blue plastic bags full of the stuff could be found just dumped beside the footpath. For those that might be unaware the 'Litter (Animal Droppings) Order 1991' of the Environmental Protection Act (1990) places a duty on local authorities to keep public walks clear of dog faeces. In this the local authority and the dog warden they employ out of the Council Tax we all pay are clearly failing in their duty ... and as for the dog owners, well. Perhaps the newly organised neighbourhood watch, might get involved?

Comments?

Link to the Home Office crime prevention page on dog fouling.

NEWS - Little Chef Armed Robbery

On Monday night two balaclava-wearing robbers armed with shotguns, threatened staff and demanded keys to a safe at a Little Chef roadside restaurant at the service area at the Southfields Roundabout just outside Ilminster. When workers told them they did not have the keys they left the restaurant. No-one was hurt and nothing was taken. The men were described as in their 20's and about 5ft 9in (1.7m) to 6ft (1.8m) tall. They are reported to have spoken with northern accents. They are believed to have driven away in a vehicle they had left parked beside the A358, which is behind the services in the direction of Taunton. Police are appealing for information.