'No action' against dog walker caught on camera allowing pet to foul at Cockfield recreation area

A DOG walker “caught on camera” letting a pet foul has triggered a demand for more action from villagers.

Cockfield parish council heard how CCTV footage had captured a man allowing his dog to excrete on the recreation field near the Pauline Charlton Sport Pavilion during the summer holidays.

Councillors wanted to know if he’d faced the consequences at last week’s meeting.

But Clerk Phil Howard said it was “unclear” what exactly had been done. He added: “I contacted Durham County Council – unfortunately I received an automated reply which said a representative had visited the site and the issue was now resolved.”

“But it’s not,” added Cllr Brenda Singleton.

Cllr Jonathan Milroy wanted to know where the council went from here.

“It’s a crime isn’t it?” he added.

“Let’s confirm what the process is if we are getting nowhere, it’s a crime and should be followed up.”

Dog mess on the football field and anti-social behaviour at the pavilion led to the CCTV being installed earlier this year.

Footage helped bring a group of unruly youths into line after they were captured smashing bottles in the summer.

The meeting was told the man had responded to the allegations saying it was “not his dog”.

Cllr Christine Watters said: “If they resolved it I would like to know how they resolved it – it’s a public place where kids are playing.”

“It doesn’t matter whose dog it is,” she added.

“I still think the person should be made aware – if we want to bottom this out, he needs to be made aware it was on CCTV and when we find out the process he should be made an example of.”

Cllr Neville Singleton agreed he “should be fined”.

Cllr Carole West added: “If we ask the dog warden if we can prove it – they ask us to get a picture.

“We’ve got one and what have they done?”

More information is also being sought after councillors countered claims a dog fouling problem on York Terrace been “resolved” following a complaint.

The parish council took the message to Durham County Council and a warden was sent out to the street.

But members wanted more done.

Cllr Singleton said: “Did they catch somebody? It’s alright sending someone out.”

Cllr Watters added: “It’s the same anywhere – we get a lot of regular walkers down here and the trouble is it’s the same at the end of Manor Grove – they drop bags there rather than put them in the bin.”

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, would not comment on the case but added that the council took reports of dog fouling “very seriously” taking “appropriate action” after any complaints.

Mr Hoult added: “Although most dog owners are responsible and pick up after their pet, we would ask anyone aware of any incidents to report them to us with as many details as possible, such as the type of dog and the time of the incident. We would also remind people that anyone caught not picking up is committing an offence and will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100.”