Volunteer patrols will help keep beach clean
LOCAL volunteers are carrying out trial beach patrols at Instow to reinforce the village s message that dog fouling and litter will not be tolerated. Last month the parish council and local groups gave warning that action would be taken if dog owners did
LOCAL volunteers are carrying out trial beach patrols at Instow to reinforce the village's message that dog fouling and litter will not be tolerated.
Last month the parish council and local groups gave warning that action would be taken if dog owners did not clean up after their pets.
This followed a spring beach clean which found unacceptable levels of dog fouling on the sands, particularly in the dunes area, despite bye-laws requiring owners to pick up.
Now the patrols are taking to the beach to talk with users about dogs and litter and to offer advice and hand out leaflets.
Peter Yeo, Chairman of Instow in Bloom, added: "In support of Instow Parish Council's recent press initiative concerning dog fouling on Instow beach, parishioners have taken it upon themselves to trial volunteer beach patrols.
"A highly visual yet polite presence, these patrols will seek to remind beach users of, and engage them with on, issues of marine litter and fouling. The idea was initiated by local environmental group Instow-in-Bloom, who champion the Marine Conservation Society's Adopt-a-Beach campaign at Instow.
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"Patrols will involve committee members, local residents, parish councillors and, depending on availability, a local district council dog warden. The hope is that patrols will be undertaken and received in good spirits, rather than as a vigilante campaign".
Parish council clerk Roger Jacob said: "Instow Parish Council is delighted that many of its parishioners have adopted this proactive initiative, having been motivated by the council's recent stance on this emotive matter. It is great to see a parish working in partnership for the benefit of not just the parish itself, but those who visit our lovely village and beach during the summer months. We are also pleased to see that the district council's dog warden is going to also participate. Long may this initiative continue and drive away the minority of owners who do not clean up after their dogs
