A CAMPAIGN to educate dog owners who fail to clean up after their dogs could be launched in Romsey.

It has been reported a number of residents have complained about dog fouling in the town centre.

Town centre manager Mark Edgerley said he has received about six direct comments and seen complaints on social media.

Now he has confirmed he has asked the borough council to step in and help launch a campaign.

He said: “A year or so back when there was a problem along the canal we used posters at location and on local media. Would do similar this time around as well as use Romsey Town Council website. I have asked the Test Valley Borough Council animal welfare officer if they will assist me with a local campaign, the problem is not the responsible dog owner who clean up after their dogs but rather those owners that seem to think it is ok to ignore the actions of their pet. Sadly you see increasing numbers of dogs off leads with owners distracted by smart phone and cannot possibly be aware of what their dog is doing.”

Mr Edgerley said at the moment dog fouling seems to be a real problem on streets in the town centre.

“Everyone is entitled to be able to enjoy the outdoors, be it our streets or parks and open spaces. Regretfully a few dog owners consider it is ok not to clean up after their dogs. This is not only illegal, risking a fine up to £1,000, but anti-social especially for parents and grand parents encouraging children to enjoy a few hours outside this half term,”he added.

The Romsey Advertiser contacted Test Valley Borough Council but it was unable to provide a comment before the paper went to press.