Council Leader barks at dog fouling complaints

Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding

The leader of Oldham Council has taken to social media to bite back at those seeking more action from the local authority when it comes to clearing the town’s streets of dog dirt.

In an article we published earlier this week, south Chadderton residents claimed their lives were being blighted by dog owners not cleaning up after their animals and just leaving it on the street.

Oldham Council were also being blamed and calls had been made for more to be done to keep the pavements, parks and green spaces clear of the dog mess.

One unnamed resident told us: “The situation is very, very bad, and I believe that some dog walkers are even placing mess in areas where people have complained about it.

"This includes areas such as around Mough Lane, Owler Lane, Broadway and Welbeck Avenue.

"It's absolutely disgusting. 

Proper local politics.

I know dog fouling is annoying, but "slam the Council"? To my knowledge Oldham Council does not own any dogs, and if we did, I'd like to think we'd be a responsible owner and clean up after them.https://t.co/1N2MyAMUxn

— Sean Fielding (@cllrsfielding) November 17, 2020

"The council and environmental health are well aware of this problem, and so are the local councillors. 

"The green spaces have just had a protection order placed on them, but the problem still remains. 

In response to the calls for action, Council Leader Councillor Sean Fielding took to Twitter questioning why the council are being blamed.

“Proper local politics.” Mr Fielding said.

“I know dog fouling is annoying, but “slam the Council”? To my knowledge Oldham Council does not own any dogs, and if we did, I’d like to think we’d be a responsible owner and clean up after them.”

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