DEVIZES schoolboy Ryan Eacott has launched a dog poo campaign in the town to raise awareness of the problems that it causes.

The 11-year-old is a year six pupil at St Joseph’s School has designed and made a poster encouraging people to pick up dog mess.

The poster, which tells readers there is no such thing as a poo fairy, has been put on local notice boards and at school.

Ryan, who lives in Waiblingen Way with his parents and older brother Lewis, said: “I want to know what the reasons are why there are large amounts of dog mess that never gets picked up.

“Maybe they forgot to bring poo bags, maybe they find it hard because of a disability or maybe they just being selfish and lazy.

“I want people think about others and pick up the poo when they walk their dog.”

Mum Claire, 40, has said she is very proud of him and the hard work he has put into the campaign.

She said: “It started when Ryan could no longer ride his scooter to school as there was too much mess around.

“The worst areas in town are Rotherstone and Station Road along with Waiblingen Way.

“I phoned the council who have been very good and put up a lot more signs about dog mess.

“It has been great that Ryan has gone about solving this problem in a positive way rather than moaning about it.”

Ryan said he hopes to be able to put up smaller posters around town and hand out to shops to reach as many people as possible.

He said: “Dog mess can affect so many people and is putting people in danger.

“I have had to walk in the road to avoid it and I saw a little girl that almost got ran over because her mum had to go in the road to avoid the mess.”

Devizes Mayor Sarah Bridewell said: “We fully support Ryan and commend him for what he is doing. It is wrong that a young boy should feel he needs to do this, people should take responsibility for their actions.”

Mrs Bridewell said that as the issue was also raised at a meeting last week the town council will be putting up additional signage around the town to help deter the problem.