Keswick residents have firmly agreed that the town has smelt extra whiffy after this summer’s influx of four-legged friends.
Earlier this month, the Reminder asked if the “town stinks” after receiving a hard-hitting letter from a long-standing local resident.
Faith Watterson, who has lived in Keswick for 50 years, said the streets smelled strongly of dog urine and takeaway food and called for more cleaning.
And the feedback on the Reminder’s Facebook page suggests she is not alone with dozens of readers leaving comments in support.
Bridie Marr said she was on the brink of writing to the newspaper about the same issue, while others have gone as far to suggest that a ban on dogs in Market Square might be required to stop the stink.
While many in the town are proud of its status as one of the UK’s top dog-friendly places to visit – with pets allowed in many shops and water bowls left outside – many believe that being a pal to pooches comes with a bit of a pong.
Phil Probst said one day he and his wife had noticed several dogs stopping and urinating against the wall of The Royal Oak on Main Street.
He said the mess was “running down the street,” as visitors walked through it unaware.
And Fiona Campbell warned that the town’s street furniture was often used by dogs cocking a leg and described areas of the town centre as a “dog toilet”.
She called the problem “revolting” and said parents were often “oblivious” that their children were clambering in it.
Mary Mason said the corner of Blacks was the worse for wee whiffs and suggested shops return to the old tradition of daily scrub downs with hot soapy water. She said: “My first job on Lake Road, we washed the front down every day.
“The whole Market Square is disgusting and I’m a dog owner.”
Andrew Skillen believes Allerdale Borough Council has a role to play, saying it recently washed Cockermouth town centre and should do the same for Keswick.
However, Stephanie Mrozik pointed out that dog walkers cannot stop their dogs from going; while reader Ellie Hodgson asked: “Are people expected to put nappies on dogs?”
Derek Cannon added: “The mania for parading dogs up and down Main Street, especially on market days, and using those wretched extendable leads instead of keeping a dog to heel, is a real curse.
And Cherrie Thistlethwaite said while it was lovely the town is pet friendly, she agreed it smelled strongly and said more cleaning was needed.
Following the concerns highlighted by the Reminder, Allerdale Borough Council has pledged to act after receiving representations from residents and councillors.
