Clean up campaign launched by High Green residents

Local residents launched their poop-a-scoop campaign this weekend, in a bid to clean up the streets and green spaces in High Green.

The move comes after parents in High Green said they are reluctant to let their children run and play in local parks because of concerns over dog waste.

The campaign, developed by local people, is the result of a street audit undertaken by High Green residents who identified things that need to change to make their streets and green spaces safer and more attractive. The street audit and campaign has been funded by the Sheffield Let’s Change4Life programme, in an effort to encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy the City’s green spaces for exercise and play.

The campaign will provide free biodegradable bags to dog owners in High Green, in an effort to make their open spaces and streets safer and cleaner.

Margot Jackson, Enhanced Public Health programme lead for High Green, NHS Sheffield said:  “Being physically active is not just about visiting the gym, it’s about everyday activities such as walking to school or playing in the park. So when local people told us they were concerned about letting their children play in parks because of the amount of dog waste we wanted to back the campaign to address it.

“We hope this campaign will mean that children will be able enjoy outdoor play in safety and families in High Green can enjoy their green spaces again.”

Cllr Norman Garratt, Chair of Ecclesfield Parish Council, who helped launch the campaign with his dog Jet, said: “This is a really great initiative, designed by local people, to benefit their community. As a dog owner myself, I believe it’s important to be responsible for ensuring dog waste doesn’t affect our streets and our parks. It’s clear this can cause concern for parents, so it’s up to us to do our bit to support these efforts and keep our streets and parks clean.”

Local resident, Rachael Pickin, said: “I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the street audits and working with other local people to get this campaign off the ground.”

Free biodegradable bags are now available to dog owners in High Green, and can be collected from the Beech house Veterinary Clinic and Abbey Veterinary Clinic in High Green. Bags will also be available from Ecclesfield Parish Council Officers, Mortomley Lane, open 9am – 12 noon, Monday to Friday.

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