THOUGHTLESS dog owners – we’re watching you! That’s the warning being issued by Copeland Borough Council as an innovative environmental campaign hits the streets.

The council, in partnership with Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and Keep Britain Tidy, has launched a poster campaign to encourage dog-walkers to pick up after their pets.

NGN has paid for 40 signs that feature glow-in-the-dark eyes alongside the warning message, and Copeland Council – using information from its cleansing team, councillors and the public – has displayed them in known problem areas. Footpaths, housing estates and car parks in all four of Copeland’s towns – Whitehaven, Millom, Egremont and Cleator Moor – and areas in between have been selected as locations for the award-winning posters.

Richie Dawson, NGN’s Project Assurance Officer, said: “NGN are delighted to contribute and support this campaign to give something back to the local community. Our contribution to this initiative will help to highlight the problem of dog-fouling which should hopefully help to see a reduction in the number of dog fouling incidents.

“Research from Keep Britain Tidy shows that those who have joined its campaign see an average 46 per cent reduction in dog fouling. NGN is excited to be a part of this innovative campaign to tackle dog fouling in your local area.”

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “It’s great to see these posters out in our communities, sending the emphatic message that we take a zero-tolerance approach to dog-fouling.

“We are grateful for the support of Northern Gas Networks and Keep Britain Tidy for their support.”