News

‘They should pick it up’ – Children tackle dog poo on streets by turning bottles into emergency bag dispensers

‘They should pick it up’ – Children tackle dog poo on streets by turning bottles into emergency bag dispensers

Eastern Daily Press
06:30 23 February 2020
Sophie Wyllie

Thomas Gibson, 7, from Costessey next to a home made emergency dog poo bag holder in Costessey as part of Beavers. Pictures: BRITTANY WOODMAN

It causes anger, annoyance and health concerns across many British streets.

But a group of children in Costessey, Easton and Bawburgh are trying to tackle the problem of dog poo thanks to a social media platform.

Members of the 27th Norwich (New Costessey) Beavers made 16 emergency dog poo bag dispensers out of 500ml plastic bottles which they have tied up to lampposts across their communities.

It was the idea of Jan Moll, Beaver Scout leader for the group, who spotted the idea on website Pinterest.

One of the children who made one of the bottles, now hung up on Upper Breckland Road in Costessey, was Thomas Gibson, seven, from Olive Road in New Costessey.

He said: “It was good to make them because the path is always covered in dog mess. I’m annoyed about people who don’t pick up their dog mess. They should pick it up.”

Thomas’ mother, Rachel Gibson, 39, who also has a one-year-old girl, said: “It is a fantastic idea. I always walk through dog mess while I’m using my pushchair. It is really hard to get off the pushchair wheels. It is disgusting and unhygienic. I think it is laziness that people don’t pick it up.”

She added there was a big problem of dog poo on streets around schools in Costessey.

Mrs Gibson, a nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “It is beneficial for children to learn things like this. I’m really proud of Thomas.”

Mrs Moll, from Easton, said the task of making the bottles was linked into the Beavers earning their World Challenge Award and Community Impact badge.

She said: “We don’t want the plastic to end up in the environment. The task made them think about things in their areas. Little things we can do can make a difference. I know as a dog walker that there are certain roads where dog fouling is a problem.”

When the bottles are empty people can either refill them with bags or recycle them.

Hilary Elias, Costessey Town Council clerk, said: “It’s great when young members of the community come forward with ideas to make Costessey a better place. Anything to help keep the streets clean is good, just as long as the people who use the bags don’t throw them on the ground or up in trees and use the dog bins which are provided.”

25th February 2020     Beavers, Community Impact

Photo Gallery

See more photos...

Scout Shop

The Trading Post is your local Scouting shop in Norwich. Buy your uniform, scarves, badges, books and much, much more!

Visit the Trading Post...

© Northern Norwich Scouts Scouts 2024. Registered charity number 1029956.

WordPress theme by Norwich Designer - Web Design Norwich