IF Newent's streets remain free of dog fouling this summer, local people should give thanks for the artistic talents of local youngsters, who were asked to design posters.

The youngsters set to work designing anti-dog fouling posters, after a reported rise in the number of incidents in the market town

Newent Town Council recently engaged with Year 6 pupils from Picklenash School by asking for their help in raising awareness about "the anti-social practice of dog fouling in public places".

The children produced a collection of colourful posters with hard-hitting messages driving home not only the anti-social aspect of dog fouling but also the health and safety issues arising from not picking up after your dog.

The Mayor Cllr Mrs June Davies and Deputy Mayor Cllr Eddie Wood said they had a very difficult task in trying to choose the best three posters from the ones submitted.

Cllr Davies said: “Every single pupil should be congratulated on their posters as they all illustrated very well the message conveyed.

"It was an unusual topic and every poster portrayed exactly what was intended.”

There has been an increase in dog fouling in the town and particularly at the Recreation Ground.

Newent Rugby Club have reported that it is now necessary to check and clear the pitches before training and home games.

Newent Town Council is working with the Forest of Dean District Council to try and deal with issue.

Cllr Davies together with the Forest of Dean District Council’s Street Warden, Rob Carpenter, recently visited the school to hand out book tokens to the winners of the poster competition.

The winning posters will be printed and placed on dog bins throughout the town.

Cllr Paul Hiett, Cabinet Member for Communities said: “Well done to the Year 6 pupils. I hope their posters act as a deterrent to irresponsible dog owners who walk their pets in and around Newent and allow them to foul in public places and then fail to remove it.

“Dog waste is a nuisance and is particularly unpleasant when deposited on pavements and recreation areas. I urge people to support Picklenash school’s campaign by reporting incidents of dog fouling to the District Council’s Street Wardens on 01594 810000 or email street.wardens@fdean.gov.uk