Colourful anti-dog fouling signs designed by primary school pupils are now being installed across Wrexham following the successful ‘Design a Sign’ competition earlier this year.
Primary school children from across Wrexham County Borough were invited to create their own eye-catching designs encouraging dog owners to clean up after their pets and help keep local communities clean and welcoming.
A number of winning designs were selected, with the young designers later invited to a special awards evening in the Mayor’s chamber.
Now, their artwork is making its way from paper to the streets, with signs featuring the winning designs beginning to appear outside schools and in communities across Wrexham.
Among the first signs to be installed is a design by Lottie Williams-Roberts from Borras Park Primary School, who was one of the winning pupils in the competition.
Lottie’s design has now been turned into a permanent sign and installed outside her school, helping to share the anti-dog fouling message with pupils, parents and the wider community.
Other winning designs are also being installed outside schools across the county borough, with further signs due to appear at locations throughout Wrexham over the coming weeks.
The competition was launched as a creative way of involving children in an issue that affects communities across Wrexham.
Dog fouling can make public spaces unpleasant and poses particular concerns in places used by children and families. By putting the pupils’ own designs on display, the signs provide a bright and distinctive reminder for dog owners to act responsibly and pick up after their pets.
The project also gives young designers the opportunity to see their artwork making a lasting contribution to their local communities.
Alongside the new signs, a six-month pilot scheme is being introduced, aimed at supporting responsible dog ownership across Wrexham.
As part of the pilot, free dog waste bags will be made available from locations across the county borough including libraries and estate offices, while dog bag dispensers will also be installed throughout local communities.
The pilot will complement the educational message behind the children’s signs by making it easier for dog owners to clean up after their pets and helping to reinforce the importance of keeping shared spaces clean and welcoming.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment said, “It’s fantastic to see these designs now appearing in communities across Wrexham and to see the children’s ideas turned into something that can make a real difference.
Dog fouling is an issue that understandably frustrates residents, particularly around schools, parks and other places used by children and families.
These signs are a bright and creative way of reminding people of their responsibility to clean up after their pets.
Education and encouraging responsible behaviour are an important part of tackling the issue. Alongside the new signs, the six-month dog bag pilot will help make it easier for dog owners to do the right thing and help keep our communities clean.
I’d like to thank all of the pupils who took part in the competition and congratulate the winning designers.
I hope seeing their artwork on display gives them a real sense of pride and encourages everyone to play their part in keeping Wrexham clean and welcoming.”
