Portland residents protesting over dogs' mess

The event, the first of its kind, was organised by community group Portland Locals Opposing Poo (PLOP).

Group spokesperson Georgina Bacon said: “A lot of people laugh when they first hear what we are called, but we want to make it fun to be involved with.

“We’ve got as many of our members together as possible on this walk, and we’ve been out stencilling the worst areas, which we are calling plop spots.”

The group waved balloons and one person dressed up as a giant dog as they made their way from Easton Gardens to Victoria Gardens in Fortuneswell on Saturday morning.

Leaflets were also handed out to passing members of the public.

The group aims to educate people and raise awareness of the problem, but is not an anti-dog group, Georgina explained.

She said: “Most of our members have dogs and they feel as aggrieved as anyone else that there are people out there who just leave their dog’s mess lying about.

“Hopefully this event will let everyone know what we are about.

“We want people to take ownership of their communities and get back to having clean streets.”

A Facebook group has already attracted more than 200 members and Georgina said feedback so far has been positive.

Portland mum and PLOP member Kelly Cornwall, 32, said: “We love taking the kids out for a walk but you just can’t let them be children anymore.

“All they want is to do roly polys down the hill or play in the long grass but, as a parent, you spend the whole time telling them they can’t do that because there’s dog mess all over the place.”

Dog owner Pam Lepworth, 65, brought bearded collie Bridie along for the walk.

She said: “It is a really big problem on Portland. I have dogs and I always have a few bags to clean up after them, so I wanted to get involved and help make people aware of what is going on.

“People leave their dog mess right outside my house, it’s disgusting.”

For more information on the group, search Portland Locals Opposing Poo on Facebook.