SIR – I have been dealing with a many concerns for residents in Baildon recently, but one issue crops up far too frequently – dog fouling.

For me, there is no more important issue for Baildon than the safety of the people that live here, which is why I am campaigning for highways improvements so often.

Dog fouling carries a risk from parasites, such as Toxocara Canis, which can, and has, caused blindness, especially in youngsters, with some very high-profile cases in the press. We can not allow that to happen here.

The Labour Council’s ‘clean up or pay up’ campaign appears to have had very little effect, mainly due to a lack of successful enforcement – only 45 fines were handed out over the last three and a half years.

I would like to see a commitment with action, and not just words, to support the Keep Britain Tidy dog fouling campaign.

Is it time to consider a fine being imposed on those dog owners who leave the house without a bag to clean up the mess? After all, it is very difficult for our wardens and park rangers to catch irresponsible owners in the act.

As a dog owner myself, I would like to remind fellow dog lovers that, unfortunately, there is no such thing as the dog poo fairy.

Ian Lyons, Liberal Democrat candidate, Cliffe Avenue, Baildon