A BID has been launched to track down the culprit whom it is claimed is allowing their dog to mess in Ludlow town centre and not clearing up after it.

For several months it is claimed that someone has been walking their dog around the town and not clearing up mess.

The dog has fouled paths, pavements and driveways as well as public open spaces including those next to where there are signs asking people to clean up after their dogs.

But although this has been happening for a considerable time no one seems to know who is responsible.

Vivienne Parry, a Ludlow town councillor and Shropshire councillor for Ludlow south, wants people to keep their eyes out and be prepared to report whoever is responsible.

She believes that it is one person and a single dog that is to blame.

“It is something of a mystery,” said Mrs Parry.

“This seems to be happening at night or in the early morning. I believe that it is a large dog, perhaps a Labrador type.”

Parts of the town that have been particularly affected include Old Street and Temeside but it is believed that the dog owner regularly changes his or her route.

“They seem to change where they take the dog so as to avoid being identified,” said Mrs Parry.

“At present there is no CCTV and the street lighting is poor.”

Anyone caught allowing their dog to foul and not cleaning up can face a fixed penalty fine, but proof is needed, and the best thing is if a photograph is taken.

Dog mess is not only unpleasant, but it can also contain worms and be dangerous if handled by children.

“There was a time when dogs fouling and owners not cleaning up after them was a significant problem around Ludlow, but it had seemed to have largely gone away,” Mrs Parry added.

It is hoped that with the days slowly getting longer there will be less opportunity for the person responsible to continue under the cover of darkness.