CUSTODIANS of a county beauty spot are launching a campaign to tackle the growing problem of dog mess.

The Bromyard Downs Common Association says that dog mess is becoming a serious issue for both people and wildlife, with the number of dog walkers increasing and a mistaken impression that the downs is somewhere that dog mess does not matter.

The association is working together with Brockhampton Group Parish Council, which has installed dog waste bag dispensers on the downs.

And they want to encourage people to pick up after their dogs and take the mess away to dispose of at home.

Hannah Welsh of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, which is also working on the project, said: "Bromyard Downs is a great place for children to explore nature and play, but they are at risk. Toxicariasis is an infection that can cause blindness, which is passed to humans through dog mess and most cases are reported in children under five.

"It is important we make the downs a safe place for all users but especially children who should be able to play safely in the countryside.

"This campaign is about educating people, making sure they understand why it is so important to pick up dog mess and take it away. It’s not just disgusting to step in, it’s a legal offence not to pick it up and it’s dangerous for children and animals. It’s also bad for the farmer who takes away the hay each year. Hay filled with faeces is no good for anyone.

"Many people have asked 'why not dog bins too?' The main reason is that the association cannot afford to pay a private company to collect the waste each week. It’s also a question of attitude – in the long run it is more important to change how people act than just to clean up after them.