SEVEN new dog poo bag dispensers have been installed in streets in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge in a bid to tackle dog fouling.

The new dispensers have been installed in High Street, Victoria Street, South Esplanade and Manor Gardens in Burnham-on-Sea and in Apex Park and Bank Street in Highbridge at a cost of £62 each and will be regularly filled with free poo bags.

The Burnham and Highbridge Town Council led initiative was inspired by ten-year-old Ivy Meager, who installed her own homemade dog poo bag dispensers along streets in Burnham with the aim of making the town’s streets cleaner and safer.

Two of the new poo bag dispensers were donated by Paul Chatwin, owner of The Royal Clarence Hotel in Burnham and the bins will be emptied by Sedgemoor District Council.

A spokesman for Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, said: “The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.

“The council hopes that the dispensers will serve to remind dog owners of the necessity to pick up after their dogs, and assist those who find they have no bags with them.

“The bags can be deposited in any of the public litter bins throughout the towns.

“Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100.

“If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000.”