“Community pride is key to keeping Dolgellau town clean and tidy,” says local Councillor Linda Morgan as people complain of dog mess at some locations within the town.
During the restrictions placed on all Welsh communities, due to COVID-19, people’s ability to exercise from their own homes has been crucial. And for animal lovers, their pet dogs have been a lifeline to encourage exercise and the great outdoors, even in the midst of some bleak, dark winter days.
“For people living alone, pets have been a great comfort to them during these national restrictions,” explains Dolgellau south Councillor Morgan who herself has been shielding, due to medical reasons.
“Being able to leave the house and go for a walk has literally been a breath of fresh air. It clears the mind and lifts the spirits.
“I see the problem for myself, when I go out for my daily walk. I have also had a number of complaints from local residents.
“The majority of dog owners in Dolgellau are responsible and respectful of their dogs whilst out and about. They are aware of their surroundings, they care for the local environment and they take responsibility for their animals.
“I am in no doubt, that it is a small handful of people, who are not taking heed and are letting their animals soil the pavements and grass verges. They are spoiling our local town by acting irresponsibility.”
Problems have arisen in areas around Penycaeau housing estate, South Street by Tin Bridge, Finsbury Square and at the bottom of Cader Road down to Lombard Street. Some of these locations are areas where children and families with pushchairs walk to the town, as well as properties where some of the town’s older residents live.
“I am gravely concerned about our community nurses and carers who are in and out of local houses caring for people day and night. They deserve our support, not arriving to these pavements faced with these unsavoury sights,” said Cllr Morgan.
Work is underway, thanks to Dolgellau Councillors Linda Morgan and Dyfrig Siencyn’s discussions with Gwynedd Council. Officers are working on a pilot scheme to introduce new awareness signage and enforcement in the town.
“The majority of people in Dolgellau take pride in our town,” said Dolgellau north Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn (pictured below). “We encourage the community to enjoy their natural surroundings during this pandemic, and to do so safely, staying local, keeping their distance and acting responsibly. Dog fouling is a disgusting habit, and we would encourage people to clean up and dispose of their bags responsibly.”
Dolgellau pre-Covid is a busy thriving market town, with many independent shops. Councillor Linda Morgan has been busy promoting local businesses in the run up to Christmas, and encourages local people to support businesses who are offering on-line and telephone services during this period.
“Some businesses have adapted well and are continuing to offer their services in different ways. During the coming months, I will be, again, working with the community to plant and grow colourful flowers in the town centre’s plant boxes, ready for when we will be able to return to visiting the shops and local businesses that make Dolgellau so unique.”
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