I have not written a letter to a newspaper before but felt compelled to do so after a visit to the Keswick area,

I have never before come across so many discarded dog poo bags, full and tied, left at the side of footpaths.

On a walk along the side of Catbells I counted 11 - there was a bag every few yards - and on a short stroll around Derwentwater a further eight. They had either been thrown on to the ground or hung in bushes. We saw some stuffed into knots in trees.

Surely it is better to leave the excrement itself as the bags will not decompose?

And if this problem is being addressed, it is not having an impact. It really is disgusting.

Why do some dog owners persist in ruining what should be a pleasurable experience for others?

Helen Mead

Earswick