Huyton is a community to be proud of, but our streets are currently being failed. As residents in the L36 area, we are witnessing an unacceptable level of littering and dog fouling that has turned our local pavements into a "minefield." It is currently impossible to walk even 30 steps in parts of Huyton without encountering filth. This issue is a public health crisis. Dog mess carries the risk of Toxocariasis, which can cause serious illness and even blindness, particularly in young children walking to our local schools.

Why is this happening?

The problem is being driven by a lack of accountability and the ignorance of a minority who need better education on their responsibilities. This issue is compounding over time; as the streets get dirtier, the standard for the area drops, and the problem worsens.

The current infrastructure in Huyton is outdated and insufficient to combat this. Many bins are overflowing or poorly placed, and our signage is so old it’s practically invisible. Furthermore, there is a total lack of regular, sustained enforcement to act as a genuine deterrent. Currently, Knowsley Council’s only solution is a reactive "report it" service. Expecting residents to report every single pile of mess they encounter during a daily walk is neither sustainable nor a strategy for improvement. We need a long-term plan that combines education, infrastructure, and accountability.

Our Demands: What Knowsley Council Must Do

We are calling on Knowsley Council to move beyond reactive measures and implement a proactive, multi-front strategy to reclaim our streets. As a minimum, we propose the following actions:

• Increase the Number of Bins: Install additional, high-visibility bins in identified L36 hotspots and ensure they are emptied regularly.
• Regular Enforcement Patrols: Deploy dedicated teams to patrol the area and issue fines to those caught littering or failing to pick up after their dogs.
• Renewed Signage & Pavement Stencilling: Replace fading signs with clear legal warnings and use pavement stencils in "hotspot" areas as unavoidable reminders.
• Sustained Education Programme: Launch a community-wide awareness campaign to educate residents on health risks and legal consequences.
• Innovative Solutions: Trial new ideas to remove excuses for bad behaviour, such as providing free dog waste bags in high-traffic areas or parks.

We pay our council tax for basic environmental standards. It is time for Knowsley Council to invest in the cleanliness, safety, and dignity of our neighbourhood.