SCHOOLCHILDREN have kicked up a stink against pet owners who don't clean up after their dogs in Ulverston.

At Church Walk Primary, pupils are taking the fight against dog fouling to the streets, designing posters to highlight the anti-social behaviour.

With the help of local councillors, the police and a dog called Finn, the youngsters are hoping to stamp out fouling for good.

Susan Davies, headteacher of Church Walk, said: "It's quite a big problem around school. Most of our children walk to school and are aware of the amount of dog mess that is lying around.

"Most of them have already got the message across."

Dog fouling is not just unsightly, it can pose serious health risks to people. It can cause toxocariasis in humans, a serious infection passed on by parasites.

Usually infections cause head pain and a fever, but in severe circumstances it can result in blindness or seizures.

"We have been aware for a while that is has been an issue. It was a good opportunity to be able to just say the message again," Mrs Davies added.

Local town councillor for the North ward, Caroline Tennyson, was a driving force behind this campaign.

She said: "It became obvious to me as a community one of the things that really bothered people was irresponsible dog owners.

"It's an issue on which I can try and make a difference."

Cllr Tennyson met with local neighbourhood enforcement officer Sue Scott and PCSO Izzy Roberts to try and understand what could be done to tackle irresponsible dog owners.

Cllr Tennyson said: "I met those two and we talked about what we can do about it."

After going on patrol it was decided a poster campaign to raise awareness was the best solution.

"Maybe raising awareness with people could make a difference," she continued.

"If children tread in it outside school they can bring it in and it can really pose a health risk."

Children aged from four years old to 11 took part in an assembly to understand the dangers dog dirt can pose. Local dog, Finn, a Pyrenean mountain dog also came along to help drum in the message.

On Wednesday, a special ceremony was held at the school to choose the best posters of the bunch.

There was an overall winner, two runners up and special award chosen by Ulverston mayor, Mark Wilson.

Cllr Tennyson said: "The creativity and imagination was incredible. They've really thought a lot about it, and they've incorporated that into their posters."

All of the posters, more than 30, will be put up around the North ward this weekend by Cllr Tennyson, who will also be handing out free poo bags to residents.

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