AN INCREASE in housing near the Stourscombe estate in Launceston has led to a rise in the number of dogs being walked on its green spaces, causing concern amongst residents over the amount of fouling in the area.

Resident Les Whaley, who was formerly part of the Stourscombe Residents’ Association which worked hard to supply dog waste bins for the estate when it was built, said he has been concerned for some months over the number of dog walkers crossing the A388 Tavistock Road from the new Wainhomes’ ‘Withnoe Farm’ and Taylor Wimpey’s ‘Gwel An Hay’ estates to use the green space at Stourscombe while their own are as yet unavailable.

Being a dog owner himself, Les knows all too well how important it is that dog bins are available and is keen to see the commodity added to the two new estates to tackle dog fouling before it becomes endemic.

Les said residents have been crossing the road to walk their dogs on the Stourscombe estate, which has led to an increase in fouling along the paths — something he says is ‘not acceptable’.

He said: “I have been concerned for some months about the number of dog walkers that are crossing the A388 on Tavistock Road from the two new housing estates to walk their dogs though our estates Stourscombe Vale/Eastfields as we have more green areas than the new estates and we have four dog bins in and around the estate which the Stourscombe Residents’ Association obtained funding and sponsorship for.

“Dog walkers are free to walk on public footpaths on the estate. Over the years dog walkers have used the dog bins and we saw fouling of pathways and green areas being reduced. We have seen a 25% increase in use of the dog bins and an increase in dog fouling which is not acceptable.”

There has been some debate over who is responsible for the provision of dog waste bins on the new housing estates.

Les said: “I have spoken to the sales offices on both developments — both were concerned about dog fouling but as for the need for dog/litter bins their head offices seem to think it is the responsibility of Cornwall Council to install dog/litter bins through Section 106 monies paid by the developers to Cornwall Council.”

Taylor Wimpey and Wainhomes are under no obligation to provide dog waste bins on their sites which Les thinks is ‘disappointing’.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “Our Gwel An Hay development is the first phase of a larger scheme of up to 300 homes at Hay Common. We will be providing an area of green open space for the use of local residents and we currently anticipate that this will be ready in the spring.

“Subsequent phases, including additional community facilities, will be brought forward by other developers in due course. The planning permissions we have received for Gwen An Hay does not require us to provide dog waste bins as part of our works.”

The Post contacted Wainhomes for comment but had not received a response before going to press.

Les felt it necessary to take matters into his own hands.

He explained: “I have been in contact with Cornwall Council and Launceston Town Council to look into some form of funding or sponsorship for purchase of dog bins and I hope early in the new year some dog bins could be placed on the new estates.”

Les has received support from the local town council and is in the process of contacting local businesses to ask for sponsorship so dog waste bins can be provided in the green spaces on the two new estates.

A town council spokesperson said: “The mayor met with Mr Whaley who advised that he was seeking sponsorship from local pet supply businesses towards the costs of the provision of new dog/litter bins. The town council agreed to provide Mr Whaley with a letter supporting his proposals that he could use when visiting said businesses.”

The letter says that the annual cost of supplying and emptying the new bins will add to the annual costs of the town council and this, coupled with ongoing budget pressures, means support from local businesses and suppliers is crucial to help towards the expense of this provision.

In the meantime while Les is seeking sponsorship, he said that Launceston Town Council will supply dog waste bags free of charge to those who need them.