The two wardens of Arun District Council have begun regular patrols of the Downview Primary School area.

The site was featured in last week's (MAY 1) Observer after six mothers of pupils at the school launched a campaign for a dog's mess bin on its approach road from Wroxham Way and the adjoining field.

They have become fed up with their children's walk to and from the school being blighted by the daily need to sidestep piles of the poo.

Arun services director Colin Rogers revealed the wardens were already dealing with a complaint about dog faeces in the area.

"They are monitoring the behaviour of dog owners around this area, including near the school and field.

"They will take the appropriate action against anyone who allows their dog to foul without clearing it up," he stated.

"It is the dog owner's legal responsibility to clean up after their animal. Anyone caught breaking the law in this manner will face a £50 fixed penalty."

As well as the wardens, other council staff can issue fixed penalty notices to people they see committing an offence. This includes 25 environmental health and 13 environmental amenities staff.

He pointed out the council had doubled the number of dog litter bins in the past seven years to 384 around the district. Of these, 28 are in Felpham. This is to encourage dog owners to be responsible and clear up after their pets.

But, he stated, each bin cost some £500 to buy and install. This meant the council could not afford to add new ones to the existing network.

"We are currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Arun area to assess the best location for these bins, taking into account factors such as need, capacity and location. Wroxham Way will be part of this review of course."

Mr Rogers added it was also acceptable to dispose of properly-collected dog litter in the 610 cleansing litters across Arun.

Anyone who sees a dog owner failing to clear up after a pet should report the individual to the council's environmental health department.