Reggie calls for cleanup of The Cray
Disability campaigner Reggie Lane has accused Rochdale Council of neglect and claimed he is frightened to leave his house because of persistent dog fouling. He claims that he has had to wear gloves to leave the house for fear of getting dog mess on his hands.
Reggie, who has been a persistent critic of the Council, said: "In the grand scheme of things, dog fouling may not be the number one issue on resident's lips. For me though it is a really problem. As I am wheelchair user, I am sick and tired of getting it on my hands. It's a real issue for me and it's getting worse on The Cray and surrounding streets. I can't remember the last time our streets were swept. I don't need to introduce myself to Council Officers when I call to complain ≠ they know my voice."
Reggie has enlisted the support of local Lib Dem candidate Kitt Budd. Kitt said: "I have never met such a tenacious campaigner as Reggie. He has a real reason to call for our streets to be cleaned. When residents don't clean up after their pets, I don't think they realise the real impact it has on people like Reggie. Contact with waste can lead to serious illnesses such as toxocariasis - a round worm infection. As a dog owner myself, I understand that it can be a pain but people need to exercise more responsibility. It's important for people like Reggie to get out and about."
Reggie is now calling for a clean up of The Cray and surrounding areas and for enforcement officers to take more of an interest in his area. "It's not just me," said Reggie. "Exposure to dog mess is a danger for children too. I am pleased that Kitt has taken an interest - it's about time someone listened. Together we can make our streets cleaner and safer for everyone."
If witnessed, offenders face a fixed penalty fine of £75 or a maximum penalty on conviction of £1,000. Enforcement officers work with the public, the police and other bodies to get the evidence they need to convict offenders.