TRUSTEES of Okehampton's Victorian arcade are prepared to get tough to stop irresponsible dog owners using one of the town's main thoroughfares.
The latest incident where a person allowed his dog to defecate in the arcade has been captured on CCTV and trustees say if it happens again they will go to the dog warden with the evidence.
'We are fed up with it,' said Richard Appleby of Millennium Music, who is one of the four trustees. 'We have been out personally clearing up dog mess on a monthly basis and it is just not on.'
Some customers have suggested they stop dogs coming through the arcade but Mr Appleby said this would penalise responsible dog owners.
'My wife has three dogs and everywhere she goes with them she carries polythene bags and rubber gloves,' he said.
'People have to remember that there are children thundering up and down this arcade and mums with pushchairs.
'It is a public thoroughfare and we want everyone to continue to enjoy the arcade, but the carelessness of a few people is putting that in jeopardy.'
The arcade, which is recognised as one of the town's special features, is cleaned from end to end every day by a young person who has been employed by the trustees to keep it immaculate.
Mr Appleby said the arcade was full of traders who took a great deal of pride and care in it.
'We are so proud of this arcade and there is a really good community spirit here,' he said.
'We have decided not to take action on this occasion but with a complete record of the incident on November 9 thanks to CCTV a repeat performance could result in a hefty fine for the culprit.'
Dog fouling carries a £25 fixed penalty but the maximum fine is £1,000.