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Clean up your act, demands mini warrior

28/ 5/2004

GREEN schoolboy Jack Burton is already a campaigning eco-warrior at the tender age of nine.

The nature-loving young activist wanted to be a bin man until recently and still watches them in action religiously every collection morning.

He writes regularly to the council on environmental issues and has now turned lobbyist on the issue that most annoys him - dog mess along Rochdale Canal.

Jack, who recycles paper and plastic at home, has created his own 'poop then scoop' posters, which he wants British Waterways to install, with dog bins, along Castleton towpath.

Jack, of Hanover Street, Castleton, said: "I love cycling around the canal and don't like the dog mess that people don't pick up. I ride through it and it is disgusting."

"It gets on your shoes and then takes ages to come off."

The St Edward's Primary School pupil wants to get tough on the 'irresponsible' owners.

"They make me feel annoyed because it can stink the house out. People should be fined £1,000 if they let their dogs do it."

His mother, Gillian, said: "Jack has taken it all upon himself to do. I just corrected one or two spellings."

"He has done a really good job and I am so proud of him. He has written to the council before about rubbish and asking when we would get the new recycling bins."

"He loves watching the binmen and has always been interested in the environment."

British Waterways bosses are currently considering the merits of the artwork in London.