THE future of a pilot 'dog walking area' in Church Hill will be decided next week.

The scheme started last March in a bid to reduce dog mess.

Redditch Council reported a substantial improvement in four sites in the area.

A council report said: "Results of monitoring suggest a substantial reduction in fouling around the four sites after the provision of a dog walking area and dog waste bin."

Fouling increased after the bin was vandalised but at a smaller rate than before the project.

Mothers' group MADOMS (Mums Against Dog Mess) has also praised the scheme.