Schoolchildren are helping to send out the message that dog fouling is not acceptable.

Amelia Ayley, Lily-Mai Richardson and Ben Sleep have seen their winning designs in a Saltash Town Council poster competition turned into signage to encourage and remind owners to pick up dog’s mess. 

The signage has been erected around the town after the council staged a survey to discover which locations were troubled by repeat offenders not picking up.

Amelia, from Bishop Cornish Primary School, Lily-Mai, from Saltash Community School, and Ben, from Brunel Primary School, met with Deputy Mayor Julia Peggs at one of the locations and were congratulated on their artistic qualities. 

A spokesman said: “There were some fantastic designs received and choosing three winners proved difficult for the judging panel which consisted of Mayor Richard Bickford, Mayoress Sarah Bickford, Deputy Mayor Julia Peggs, vice-chairman of the services committee Councillor Pete Samuels, youth working group member Councillor Rachel Bullock and Cornwall Council senior environmental protection officer Sarah-Jane Brown. A huge well done to Amelia, Lily-Mai and Ben whose designs were chosen to be made into signage. 

“Thanks go to all the landowners who provided the town council with permission to erect signs, including Cornwall Council, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Saltash Rugby Football Club. 

“Don’t forget you can dispose of bagged dog waste in any dog bin, litter bin or general domestic bin. Keep our environment safe and clear for all to enjoy.”

The council has also published educational material through social media and on noticeboards in areas that are a cause for concern.

Meanwhile, the free ‘Pooper Snooper’ mobile app encourages dog owners and the wider community to take responsibility for tackling dog fouling. 

Residents can report dog fouling offences to Cornwall Council via www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/animal-welfare-and-enforcement/dog-fouling/