TO the Harwood resident concerned about dog fouling (November 26), I wholeheartedly join you in commending responsible dog owners who clean up after their pets.

But I am an even greater fan of the dog control officers and wardens, whose hard work has led to a general improvement in the fouling situation.

I urge you to approach them direct, rather than through the columns of a newspaper, and discuss your concerns. They are very responsive and will indeed turn out at unsocial hours. They did so at my request to tackle an early morning fouler. You must turn your concern into action and, unsavoury as it is, monitor the offenders and the times and places they offend. Once a pattern is established and reported, the officers can be in the right place at the right time and a prosecution will follow.

Responsible local resident

(Name and

address supplied)