Call for people to take their litter and dog waist home

BOTH Sefton Council and the National Trust have requested and blocked many of their litter and dog litter bins and placed notices asking people to take litter and fouling bags home.  Most responsible dog owners and walkers do this, but sadly we are seeing a growing number of  irresponsible dog owners acting in a very  unacceptable and offensive manner. This anti social behaviour is sadly leaving not only a very stinky and unsightly mess, but also a potential health risk, that is putting lives in danger.  Messages from both parties could not be clearer as to what you should do with your waste when out and about.

The National Trust have said:- "Due to the current situation with COVID-19 we are working with a skeleton team and don't have the resources to empty bins. Please take all your litter and dog waste home with you."

Plus, Sefton Council have also added:- "We will not be emptying bins as often as usual and overflowing bins are a hazard to people's health, as well as a hazarded to wildlife, pets and livestock. Please help us to help you by disposing of your dog fouling and litter in your home refuse bins."

The lazy people, who are putting bags on closed bins or just dumping them are being reminded that they can face prosecution for not discarding the fouling bags correctly and this is also the same for any type of litter, along with fly tipping.  In the case of fouling bags, Sefton MBC Public Space Protection Order [Dog Control] 2017 allows a Fixed Penalty Notice of ₤75 to be issued against offenders who fail to remove their dogs fouling. None payment will result in prosecution and a potential maximum fine of ₤1000 and a criminal record. Section 87 Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes it a criminal offence to throw down, drop or otherwise deposit litter such a dog fouling bags and allows a ₤75 FPN to be issued.

If that is not enough to make you think, remember dog waste can contain a wide range of viruses, bacteria, and even worm eggs, which are known to cause a wide range of health problems within humans, even before it starts to decay. Contact with infected dog fouling can cause stomach upsets, sore throats, asthma and in rare cases blindness. Also, it is worth adding at worm eggs that can be found in dog mess can remain active in soil for many months.  Do you really want to add extra pressure on the NHS, due to being lazy and potentially put others in danger?  All responsible dog owners always carry dog fouling bags in their pocket when walking their dogs and with the problems affecting our country, due to COVID-19, they also take them home for disposal and do not dump it where people can come into contact with it.

Olympic stars back pet charity's 'Rescue Run' to help pets in need

OLYMPIC athletes Fatima Whitbread, Roger Black, Helen Clitheroe and Jamie Baulch are supporting a virtual run launched by leading pet charity Blue Cross. Animal lovers are being asked to take part in a 'Rescue Run,' taking place during May 2020, to run a 26.2 mile marathon in aid of homeless, abandoned, sick and injured pets in their care. The challenge is ₤12 to sign up to move a mile or more a day to meet the target by running, jogging or walking; with or without a dog. It is a virtual event supporters can top up with sponsorship and share on social media to take part within their home, garden or local community; whilst keeping themselves and others safe by social distancing. Fatima Whitbread MBE, Olympian, World and European Javelin Champion said:- "My dog Bertie means the world to me. Our pets are so important, especially now when we are faced with such huge challenges to overcome in every aspect of our lives. Keeping fit and healthy whilst social distancing can be difficult, particularly because people cannot exercise together, but Blue Cross's Rescue Run is a fantastic way to keep fit whilst being part of a virtual community event, with the added benefit of raising funds to help pets who are desperately in need of help right now."

Everyone who completes the virtual marathon will receive a special Blue Cross medal and finishers certificate to acknowledge the difference they've made to pets in need. Turn on Animations. Roger Black MBE, 400 metre Olympic medallist and World and European Champion said:- "Although we are limited in what we can do outdoors at the moment, virtual events allow us to keep active whilst staying safe. My dog Howie is part of the family, but there are many pets out there who need Blue Cross's help, so I am encouraging pet lovers to take on the challenge and sign up to Rescue Run."

Tracey Chittock, Blue Cross Head of Community and Events said:- "This is a difficult time for everyone but we hope pet lovers will enjoy taking part in our virtual run in aid of pets in need. We appreciate every effort people make to support our work caring for those pets who rely on our help."

Places are limited to 750 so sign up now to take part in the Blue Cross Rescue Run visit:- BlueCross.WLVE.Co.UK/Event/Rescue-Run. Blue Cross is a charity and does not receive any Government funding. To make a donation and see pets needing a loving home visit:- BlueCross.Org.UK.

'Keeping People Connected' - Responding to Covid19

PEOPLE 1st and Lancashire County Council have introduced a new, over the phone support service:- 'Keeping People Connected,' that aims to support people who have, or may have, learning difficulties and/or autism during the outbreak of Covid-19.  The service is built on People First's 30 years' of experience working with and supporting vulnerable people, and Lancashire County Council's commitment to supporting Lancashire through the Covid-19 crisis. 'Keeping People Connected' provides an over the phone service that connects those in need of support with an experienced, friendly and specialist professional.

People 1st CEO, David Blacklock said:- "We know people with learning disabilities and/or autism can be extremely vulnerable, this is of course magnified by the current international Covid-19 crisis. As an organisation dedicated to supporting people, we want to make sure that we are making a proactive difference during these unprecedented times, to the lives of people across Lancashire. 'Through 'Keeping People Connected' we are able to develop a meaningful connection with those who need our support; we can help to share information, to provide companionship and to be a dependable presence at this most unpredictable time."

The service includes regular and personalised calls. A member of the People 1st team will be paired with a caller to understand and assess their current situation. The team will be ready to discuss health and wellbeing, food, medication, isolation, support needs, safety and general issues regarding Covid-19, social distancing and shielding. If you, or anyone you know, has learning difficulties and/or autism, needs support, information or just want to talk, get in touch today! Call:- 0300 303 0175, or drop an email to:- KeepConnected@weArePeopleFirst.Co.UK.