Schoolchildren are set to declare war on dog owners who allow their pets to foul in public places.

About 30 pupils from Canvey County Junior School will stage a peaceful demonstration at Thorney Bay on the island in an attempt to shame dog owners into cleaning up after their animals.

The children will be taking their message to the park and beach areas of the seafront with posters and banners made by them in class.

Parks warden for Castle Point Council, Tony Doveaston, will join the youngsters on May 25 to hand out free poop scoop bags.

He said: "We have got a massive problem with dog fouling in Castle Point. A lot of it is done at night when people don't see, which leaves a minefield for the morning.

"Those who walk their dog in the day are usually too embarrassed to leave it.

"The seafront is terrible for dog mess. It is all over the beaches even though dogs aren't allowed on there.

"Dog owners are even taking them in children's play areas where they are definitely banned.

"Football teams at Smallgains Park, Thundersley Common and King George's Playing Fields often have to fill up a carrier bag with dog mess before they can play their game.

"Children are the most affected by this problem so I thought they would be able to get the message across better."

Further demonstrations are being planned.

The council bought 70,000 poop scoops at the beginning of the year to try and rid the borough of mess, and the scoops can be picked up free from the council offices in Kiln Road, Thundersley.

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