Growing frustration at levels of dog foul left in St Helens parks

Multiple people have contacted the Star about the issue, reporting that increasing levels of dog foul have been left in Taylor Park and Victoria Park.

One resident said that she had to avoid four lots of dog foul on a recent walk through Victoria Park, which has been a recipient of the Green Flag Award for nine consecutive years due to its high-quality environment and green spaces.

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Victoria Park has been awarded the Green Flag for nine consecutive years (Image: St Helens Council)
Speaking to the Star about the issue in Victoria Park, local resident Linda Aspinall said: "Dog foul has always been a problem, but it seems to be worse in the last two or three years. There's no excuse with all the red bins around.

"I walk round the park regularly and there are never any stray dogs there so I can only believe that there are some very irresponsible dog owners taking their dogs there.

"I'm also vary wary of dogs not on leads but there are far more responsible dog owners than not, thankfully."

Red bins are scattered throughout the parks (Image: Stock)
Although dog foul is not the most pressing issue on the council's agenda, it is one it takes seriously, particularly as council teams and volunteers work consistently on the upkeep of the borough's parks.

It is also very frustrating for those who have to clean up the foul when it is the responsibility of the owner to dispose of it, with this behaviour being described as "selfish, lazy and antisocial".

A previous Star article highlighted that the council handed out 17 fines to residents who did not pick up dog foul between 2017 and 2021, with fines of up to £80 being administered.

Cllr Andy Bowden (Image: St Helens Council)
Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Climate Change, said:

“Dog fouling is selfish, lazy and antisocial behaviour, and there is absolutely no excuse for it.  

"There are a number of dog and general waste bins located around Victoria Park which our grounds team work exceptionally hard to maintain to such a beautiful standard, despite dwindling budgets, which has led to nine consecutive Green Flag awards - a national scheme which recognises well-managed parks and green spaces.

“It’s ultimately the owner's responsibility to clean up after their pet and I would encourage anyone who witnesses a dog walker failing to do so, to report it to us.

"The more it's reported, the more they might think twice about leaving mess which could hit them hard in the pocket through a £80 fixed penalty notice or a maximum fine of £1,000 if taken to court.”

To report dog fouling, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/report-it