MALVERN Hills residents are being encouraged to become a Green Dog Walker with the launch of a new scheme.

The district council has launched the scheme this week, to help change attitudes about dog fouling across the district.

The scheme also supports the Public Space Protection Order, introduced in 2017, which created new powers to help deal with people who fail to control or clean up after their dogs.

All Green Dog Walkers will take a pledge to always clean up after their dog, carry extra dog waste bags, be happy to be approached to lend a dog waste bag to those without, and be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dogs

Volunteers who sign up will also receive a GDW badge, free poo bags, a dog bandana and a volunteer pack.

GDW is a national scheme that has previously won the UK Kennel Club Dog Recognition Award and featured at Crufts. GDW was also a finalist for the CIWM Innovation in Waste Management Award.

Cllr Bronwen Behan, portfolio holder for environment on the district council, said “We are really pleased to be launching this new friendly scheme within the district. Volunteers will also be helping us to take another step towards educating and encouraging irresponsible dog owners to change their behaviour and clean up after their pets."

To become a Green Dog Walker, or for more information malvernhills.gov.uk/green-dog-walkers or email streetscene@malvernhills.gov.uk. Dog fouling can be reported at malvernhills.gov.uk/dog-fouling.