Dog owners were encouraged to clear up after their pets during a community day held in Runcorn.

Nearly 300 people attended Pooches on Parade, which was organised by Halton Borough Council, Halton Housing Trust and the Grangeway Community Forum.  The event was primarily funded by the Local Area Forum for Grange, Halton Brook, Heath and Mersey.  The Local Area Forum awarded the Grange Community Forum £984.88 towards the activities. Other funders of the day were the Community Safety Team (Safer Halton Partnership) (£200) and of course Halton Housing Trust (£215).

“Dog fouling was an issue the community was concerned about,” said Debbie Jameson, Customer Involvement Officer at the Trust.

“When the council, ourselves and the forum looked at planning the fun day we decided to use it as an opportunity to get the message out there about clearing up after your pet.”

Halton's Executive Board Member for the Environment,. Cllr Stef Nelson, said: "Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience, but sadly, a small minority of irresponsible dog-owners are putting the health of their neighbours at risk and are spoiling the environment for everyone else by not cleaning up after their pets.

"This event was a great way of getting that message - and so much more - across to people who had a lot of fun on the day."

During the weekend dozens of dog owners were given equipment to help them clear up after their pet and warned of the penalties for not doing so.

But there was also time for fun and the H&M dog training school took the lead, kicking off the activities with a demonstration.

The focus of the day was to promote responsible dog ownership generally not just in relation to clearing up after them.  H&M Dog Display Team set a great example of how to control and train a dog.  Cheshire Search & Rescue Team demonstrated how useful dogs can be.

The Dog Trust and the Councils’ Environmental Protection Team attended to provide advice and information. They also gave out neutering vouchers and chipped 20 dogs free of charge. The dog competition, sponsored by Jollyes Petstore, focused on the fun side of dog ownership with seven categories, including the dog with the waggiest tale.  

There was also a performance by The Secret Steps Streetdancers, a tombola, face painting and balloon art as well as stalls manned by - among others - Halton Haven Hospice and the RSPCA.

A second fun day will be held in Russell Road, in Weston, on Saturday, 27 August. It will be aimed at encouraging young people to use the youth club more regularly.

The event is free and will include football and tennis lessons, a climbing wall, obstacle course and tug of war. It runs from noon till 4pm.