HAVING read the letter from Jo Lines (January 31), I cycled along the new cycle path the next day and picked up five bags of dog poo along with a small amount of litter.

This was my third trip in the last three weeks, during which I collected a total of 19 bags of dog poo. I agree, along with nearly everyone else, that this is a horrible practice.

However, it's not that difficult to pick it up and carry it to a waste container, provided that you take a strong plastic bag and gloves with you.

Much more disgusting and disturbing in my view is the amount of dog mess left unbagged in the town itself. 

Walk down Anderton Lane, where the footpath crosses an open grassy space, and you will see the whole area dotted with yellow paint and 'Pick It Up' written at the side of the path. This has had no effect.

Unbagged dog poo is thickly strewn along the canal path near Monksmead, next to the Monksmead gate from Tavistock College and down Battery Lane. It's on Ford Street and Abbey Walk, on the verge of the path between Crowndale Road and Brook Lane and in Celle Gardens. And this is just what I've seen in the last few days. Nearly all of these places have waste or dog waste bins nearby.

These offenders are not ghosts: in some cases neighbours and other dog walkers know who they are but are understandably apprehensive about approaching the culprit or reporting it because of unpleasant consequences.

I dislike a society of tale-tellers as much as anyone else but the seriousness and extent of this problem surely justifies notifying West Devon, which can be done anonymously, so that the accusation can be checked out.

If residents of Tavistock want something done about this, they are going to have to do more than grumble and expect 'the Council' to wave a magic wand and solve it.

Jane Miller

via email