Dog warden patrols to be '˜stepped up' in Selsey following concerns

This is what Chichester District Council has confirmed after members of the public spoke out about the ‘disgusting’ issue.

One Selsey resident, Jessica Heatley said: “I have four dogs I rarely walk them In Selsey because places like seafront you bend down to pick up your dogs mess and your surrounded by other people’s dog’s mess.

“This really irritates me especially in areas that children play and the paths going up to Seal Primary are always covered in it.”

Danielle Winter agreed: “It’s not a laughing matter, it’s disgusting.

“Every footpath smells of it and it’s only safe to walk with your head constantly bowed.

“It’s something I’ve felt strongly about for a long time.”

She added: “There are not enough deterrent signs or dog bins and I actually think there should be people patrolling.”

Lauren Woolven said: “I run regularly along the sea front and it’s always covered.

“It’s like playing hopscotch trying to run along the path.”

In response to residents’ concerns, a spokesperson from Chichester District Council said: “As a result of recent concerns from the public, dog warden patrols will be stepped up in the Selsey area.

“There are currently 50 dog waste bins in Selsey, many of which are located at access points to the beach.

“The level of dog bin provision in Selsey is much greater than anywhere else in the district because we recognise the popularity of dog walking on the beach. Bagged dog waste can also be placed in domestic wheelie bins.”

The council spokesperson added that there are two dog wardens who are responsible for the whole of the Chichester District, including Selsey.

They continued: “Although both our dog wardens patrol the district regularly, including Selsey, they can’t be there all the time so they do need residents to help them and let them know when they see an offence taking place.

“They can only take legal action against an offender if they have witnesses willing to make a statement.

“We believe that the majority of dog walkers in Selsey do clean up after their dogs and the dog waste bins in Selsey are very well used.

“There is a minority that do not clean up after their dogs and these are the people we need to encourage to do the right thing.”