A DOG mess problem is kicking up a stink as Bridport residents are divided over how to tackle the issue.

A group of Happy Island Way residents recently organised a ‘flag the dog poo’ event for a nearby walking area.

Event organiser Nepheli Theophanidis, 30, said: “We put at least 120 flags out and collected about double that in dog mess.

“But it’s something that needs to be ongoing because we went down there again and there was more.”

Despite the group’s success, a number of people have now hit out at the flagging event and allege flags were left throughout the area and blew away, littering the river.

Bridport resident Matt Sparro, 38, said the event ‘did more harm than good’.

He said: “I was walking there at the weekend and I noticed the dyed paper floating down the river and getting stuck in the reed beds.

“They have caused as much of a problem as they are trying to solve, because there’s a lot of rare wildlife down there and all these flags are littering the area.”

“I have lived in Bridport for 28 years andThere’s been dog poo there for years; it’s not a big issue."

“You expect dog poo to be there, just as much caused by foxes and badgers as dogs, because it’s the countryside.”

Mr Sparro said: “A lot of people are really quite offended about the litter that’s been left down there, and the responsible dog walkers are quite upset.”

Mrs Theophanidis only about three flags blew away after being left to make a point.

She added: “We have since cleared up the flags, but it’s just a shame that some people can’t see beyond that to what we are trying to do.”

Barry O’Mahoney from Bredy Vets supported Mrs Theophanidis’ efforts, saying: “Picking up and disposing of dog faeces is not only important in keeping Happy island a clean and scenic area.

“Dog faeces can contain a parasite call toxacara canis and humans can become infected with this through contact with contaminated pasture or soil.

“One of the NHS recommendations to reduce transmission is to remove dog poo from areas where dogs are exercised.”

Bradpole Parish Council said dog mess bins will be donated by the Co-op, Bredy Vets and Travis Perkins, and will be installed and maintained by Bridport Town Council.

However, Mrs Theophanidis said: “Until I actually see the bins I won’t believe it. The problem is more about people not actually picking the poo up.”