A new anti-dog fouling group called the Bingley Green Dog Walkers is going from strength-to-strength in its efforts to keep the town clean.

The Green Dog campaign was started at the end of 2013 at the town’s Christmas Fair when more than a hundred people came to talk to the group of mums who, together with Bradford Council, aim to rid Bingley of dog fouling.

The campaign aims to unite everyone, dog owners and non-dog owners alike, in a friendly, non-confrontational way.

Owners who ‘make a pledge’ to clean up after their dog get a green armband and extra poo bags to give to others.

Bingley has the highest number of complaints about dog fouling in the Shipley area and the third highest of all Bradford Council wards.

Green Dog campaigners claim similar campaigns in other towns have reduced dog fouling by as much as 99 per cent.

Julie Ramsden, a mum and child-minder said; “We want people to be able to enjoy walking and playing in Bingley without having to worry about what they might tread in.

“We’ve been amazed how supportive people are. Most dog owners pick up and want other people to know that.”

Another group member, Jenny Woodward, said: “Bingley is full of beautiful places to walk and play in, but the amount of dog fouling understandably puts people off using them.

“We want to help change that.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies and Bradford Council are supporting the initiative.

Councillor David Heseltine (Con, Bingley) said: “This community-led initiative is to be welcomed as dog mess left by careless owners blights many of our pavements, snickets and play areas.

“We have secured funding from the local area committee to trial the scheme in Bingley to try to improve our community and the habits of dog walkers who fail to clean up.”

Pledge forms can be picked up from Bingley Library, the Children’s Centre, Five Rise Locks Cafe plus Eldwick, Gilstead and Bingley post offices. Completed forms can be dropped off at any of the post offices.

You can show your support by e-mailing BingleyGreenDog@gmail.com, or liking the campaign at facebook.co.uk/ bingleygreendog.

To report dog fouling, call Bradford Council on (01274) 431000 with as much information as possible.