A DAY of action to tackle dog fouling in Harwich has been hailed a major success.

Tendring Council’s dog warden Adam McGoldrick coordinated the initiative, accompanied by staff from waste management, recycling, pollution and environmental control.

They were joined by Harwich councillors Jo Henderson, David Flavell and Barry Brown and headed off to visit dog mess hotspots in the town.

The aim of the exercise was to be seen by dog walkers and to convey the message that they must clear up after their dogs – or risk the consequences.

While on patrol, they logged 84 separate cases of dogs’ mess left behind and not cleared up by owners, and handed residents a total of 2,750 dog waste bags.

Tendring Council’s environment boss Nick Turner said he was pleased with the success of the operation.

He said: “I am delighted this operation has now been carried out and it proved as big a success in Harwich as it did in Clacton and Holland-on-Sea.

“Dog fouling is an important and emotive issue everywhere, and one which annoys residents and visitors alike.”