Seven-year-old's campaign against dog fouling pays off (From Herald Series)

Seven-year-old's campaign against dog fouling pays off

3:00pm Saturday 4th August 2012 in Abingdon

Buy this photo » John Claridge-Alder. Picture: OX53543 Antony Moore

A YOUNGSTER’S voice has made a difference after his campaign to stop dog fouling and litter next to an Abingdon nature reserve paid off.

Seven-year-old John Claridge-Alder, of Campion Road, wrote to Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood after getting fed up of mess stopping him from playing on the green space by Abbey Fishponds.

John said: “I’s sad that I can’t go out and play football, as I have to avoid all the poo.”

Ms Blackwood then contacted Vale of White Horse District Council , which sent out an environment warden to investigate.

The warden found there was a problem and last month the council cleaned up the area, cut the grass, put signs up and delivered leaflets to nearby houses.

The area is now regularly monitored.

The youngster is a member of the Ox Berks and Bucks Wildlife Trust.

His mother Susan, 33, said: “He loves his wildlife. He wanted the area to be clean for the wildlife and for him to play.

“The council have been very good and John is really happy.

“He is so excited that his one little letter has done so much.”

John said: “I love watching nature programmes on TV and I saw outside there was a lot of rubbish and dog mess. “I thought that would not be nice for nature. “So I wrote to the MP. I was really happy that something is being done.”

• To report problem areas or irresponsible owners, call 01235 540555 or e-mail environmental.protection@whitehorsedc.gov.uk