A new set of dog fouling bins have been installed in Derry after a local school made an appeal last week.

The issue came to light after the Derry News was contacted by the parent of child attending Rosemount Primary and Nursery School, which is located at Helen Street, just off the Creggan Road in Derry.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said that the problem with dog fouling on streets outside the school is now so bad that it is ‘impossible to avoid’.

Nursery children found themselves having to walk through dog faeces on a daily basis and are carrying it on their feet into the school & Nursery.

“It is impossible to avoid, as it is from one end of the street to the other and on both sides,” she told the Derry News.

“The situation is atrocious as parents and their children are having to walk through dog faeces on a daily basis and the children are carrying it into the school on their feet.

“This is extremely dangerous for these children, and apart from the fact that dog fouling is a nuisance, it's associated with various diseases including toxocara canis (an infection which can damage children’s eyesight).”

The Derry News contacted Rosemount Primary and Nursery School about the issue, who said that it had taken steps to make children ‘aware’ of the issue.

A spokesperson for the school also appealed to people walking their dogs in streets close to the school to ensure the area remained free of dog fouling.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Colly Kelly contacted The Derry News last week to confirm that two dog fouling bins had been installed in the area.

"On the back of the article in last Monday's paper I called out to a few residents in the area," said Cllr Kelly.

"I also engaged with council and environmental health.

"They were receptive to the issue and have now installed two dog fouling bins today (Friday) as a result of the article in The Derry News."

Cllr Kelly was keen to stress that the issue was not being caused by local residents.

"I spoke with the residents and they were disappointed to see it had become such an issue as they take pride in their area.

"It's a very tight knit community with people who have been living there along time.

"There are only four dog owners in the area and they believe that the issue was coming from people walking their dogs in the area.

"It's good to get the bins installed and hopefully this will help tackle the issue."

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.