Dog mess fouling up Finchampstead footpaths has forced neighbours to launch a crackdown to tackle the issue.

Pet owners have been warned they face a £1,000 fine, after families fed up with dodging dog poop while walking in the village decided enough was enough.

The problem was ranked as one of the top three priorities for the area after used plastic poo bags were also thrown into trees and bushes.

Finchampstead Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) has been working with Wokingham Borough Council’s countryside service in California Country Park on a pilot project to tackle the problem.

Richard Rampton, NAG member, said: “While the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, a small minority have not been cleaning up after their pets, often leaving dog mess on paths or close to them.

“These paths are frequently used by members of the public with young children and toddlers in pushchairs.

“There is also a growing problem of individuals throwing plastic poo bags into trees and bushes which causes on-going potential health and environmental issue.”

As part of the scheme, the amount of signage has increased, showing dog walkers where the nearest five rubbish bins are in the park, including a map, and extra signs warning of potential fines for dog fouling. A number of shrubs have also been cut back to make dog poo bins visible to owners.

A number of NAG members have been working closely with community ranger Lucy Harris after the issue was raised as a key priority in the village’s 2012 NAG survey.

Clare Erangey, NAG member, said: “This will be an on-going initiative with the countryside service and we will be looking into ways we can continue to raise awareness and help tackle this unpleasant issue.”

The NAG aims to roll out the project to other areas of Finchampstead.

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