A GARDEN of remembrance in Kingsbridge has been ‘abused’ and left covered in dog poo as council says it will crack down on irresponsible dog owners.

The Reverend Jackie Taylor, rector at St Edmund’s Church, Fore Street, Kingsbridge, told us that ‘the lovely grounds of St Edmund’s church, which includes a garden of remembrance, have been abused and fouled.’

The grassy area at the rear of the church has picnic benches for people to enjoy their lunches in the open air, but the Rev Jackie said two of their church wardens removed ‘over seventy piles of dog mess, including some from between memorial stones’ this week, adding that that was something ‘no one should have to do’.

This has come at a time when dog fouling is in the national news, after Barking [yes, really] and Dagenham Council became the first in the UK to use DNA testing to catch dog owners who fail to clear up after their dogs.

Dog poo is a touchy subject for many people in the South Hams, with a discussion post on social media about the topic last week attracting nearly 100 ‘likes’ and over 40 comments. Many were angry at finding dog poo on paths and near children’s play equipment.

People noted problem areas in Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Ivybridge, Totnes and Malborough with stories of it coming home on their child’s shoes, children nearly falling in it and it flicking up from grass strimmers at the roadside.

The Rev Jackie continued: ‘Despite clear signage throughout the grounds there are people who are habitually abusing the use of the churchyard.

‘There are signs up with a phone number to call if fouling is seen and it is hoped that people will do so and help stop this antisocial behaviour that is blighting a wonderful community amenity and a precious sacred space.

‘There are plans this year to plant a section of the grounds with wild flowers to enhance the already precious green space in the heart of town that is open for the enjoyment of the community.

‘This is an exciting new initiative. However this will not be possible if the fouling of the churchyard continues.’

South Hams District Council have recently announced that their ‘officers on the ground’, have been increased from one to six and they are ‘determined to deal with these mucky messes’.

These officers can now issue on-the-spot penalties to those irresponsible owners who do not pick up their dogs mess, this could be up to £80 and could rise again to a maximum fine of £1000 if it goes to court.

A spokesman for the council said: ‘South Hams District Council support the Keep Britain Tidy national dog fouling campaign to encourage irresponsible dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Portfolio Holder for Customer First, Councillor Hilary Bastone, said: ‘We have all had an unpleasant experience with dog mess when we have been out in town or in the country and it really spoils your day.

‘We need to send a clear message to Irresponsible owners that this is unacceptable and fine repeat offenders. We will issue fines to those who do not make more of an effort to take care of our beautiful landscape.’

A spokesman for SHDC continued: ‘Local support from residents is so important to help identify these culprits and bring a stop to this foul issue.’ You can report dog mess to SHDC via their website: www.southhams.gov.uk/article/3677/Tell-Us-Online.