Baildon Parish Council

Baildon Bank has long been used by Baildon residents and visitors as a general recreation area, it is recognised by the Mountaineering Club as an ideal practice ground for their sport and is a magnet for dog walkers. The area is the home to a great number of wildlife including birds of prey and woodpeckers.

It is a tremendous shame that the area is spoilt by mindless vandals who feel that this area is a canvas for graffiti, the area has had its problems in the past with this, but over the last twelve months it seems to be on the increase. I have taken steps in an attempt to remove the problem by liaising with Bradford Councils Graffiti removal team who will assist in its removal, we just need to find an acceptable way to remove it. Previously the graffiti has been painted over but this causes problems for the climbers as well as not being particularly nice to look at. We are looking at other solutions but access for machinery is an issue and may take a little longer. I will keep you posted on its progress.

Litter is another issues in this area and it is our responsibility to keep this area clean and tidy and as it is in all areas of Baildon it is the responsibility of all dog owners to clean up after their pets. During late Spring I intend to hold a litter picking day on The Bank open to anyone who is interested, all equipment will be provided. Please watch out for information on the date and time for this event.

Keith

Dog fouling in Baildon appears to be on the increase, I have had a number of reports of such incidents around the Parish and have seen first hand myself areas that seem to have a problem. Myself and the Parish Council take this matter very seriously and deal with all reports with a matter of urgency. The vast majority of dog owners are responsible owners and clean up after their pets, but there are a minority who believe that to leave dog mess on a footpath or other public places is acceptable. Well let me tell you it isn't and we will take whatever measures we can to stamp it out. The law is quite clear on this matter and it is the responsibility of the dog owner/handler to clean up after the dog otherwise face a possible fine of upto £1000.

The Parish Council has secured funding to provide extra litter bins that will be placed in area's that suffer from the problem of dog fouling, also extra signs will be placed in these area's. These bins will be appearing over the next few months subject to site surveys.

I have spoken with the Senior Bradford Dog Warden and he fully supports our actions, he also informs me that patrols by their staff will be made in the area and if required action will be taken against anyone found not be clearing up after their pets.

MY REQUEST TO DOG OWNERS IS TAKE RESPONSABILITY OF YOUR PETS AND MAKE BAILDON A NICER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK

Keith