Figures show the Chatsworth Road area is the borough’s number one for dog fouling, with 96 reports of owners failing to clean up after their pets this year so far.
As a result, the neighbourhood has been chosen as the starting location for a new campaign calling on owners to ‘bag it and bin it’.
Signs will be stencilled on pavements, alongside work with schools to educate about responsible dog ownership, and increased enforcement from officers.
Pupils from three primary schools across the borough, including Clapton’s Daubeney Primary School, designed posters for the campaign, with the winning design set to be put up in hotspot areas.
But residents have mixed views on the campaign.
Daniel Keary, 34, said: “This is very good news, but why now. It has been a problem here for quite a few years. So, I don’t understand why there doing it now. Hopefully now we will see a improvement, which will be a lot better.”
Zainab Frarah, 58, thinks a tougher approach is needed.
She said: ”I’m not sure a few posters and signs made by children will encourage people to clean up their mess. I’m pleased the council is trying to do something but I’m sure that this would work. I think strong action is needed.”
Cllr Sarah Young, cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport said: “We’re proud of Hackney’s streets, which is why we invest millions each year in keeping them clean. Over the last year we’ve issued three fines a day on average for littering, dog-fouling and other offences.”
“But, while Keep Britain Tidy’s independent surveys show that our streets are cleaner than the average across London, we know there is more to do – and we need our community to help us.”
“You can help by reporting dog mess and other issues, so that we can take action and send our crews to where they are needed. And our message to dog owners is clear – bag it and bin it.”
Irresponsible dog owners face £100 on the spot penalties and court fines of up to £1,000.
