Madam, as a six year old canine resident of Ross I am delighted that the Community Protection Team at Herefordshire Council has declared war on dog owners in Ross who fail to clear up after their pets. Personally, I try to leave my mess on my owners' pristine lawns but occasionally I am taken short by the excitement of meeting my four-legged friends - but my kind and responsible owners always clear up after me. They now tell me that Councillor Atkinson has decided to campaign on this issue after many residents brought it to his attention when he was campaigning for election earlier this year.

Why has he only now decided to become involved? Surely as a Town Councillor he should be aware that this was a major issue in the Town Plan which was published in April 2010. At the time 63% of the respondents wanted the number of 'poop bins' increased and 26% wanted 'enforcement patrols' set up. This item was identified in the Plan as of 'high priority' and was to be the responsibility of the Town Council.

As nothing had happened six months after the Plan was published my owners' took the matter up with the Community Protection Team at HCC and after a lengthy exchange of e-mails were informed that it was not Council policy to provide 'poop bins' and that dog owners should use the rubbish bins that are already available (which at Wilton Sports Ground are totally inadequate !)

The Team Leader who advised my owners of this is the same person who is now leading the campaign to crack down on dog mess by increasing fines and providing 'poop bins'– amazing what can happen when BBC cameras come on the scene! Also, what about horse riders – are they also liable for fines if they do not clear up after their pets have 'dumped' on the bridlepaths and highways !

Megan, Ross

(Owner's name and address supplied)