DUP Alderman Sharon Skillen from Castlereagh South intends to hold an overnight vigil on Ballybeen Road in Dundonald. She aims to identify a repeat offender who allows a dog to foul the road each night.

The fouling occurs late at night, around 10pm, 11pm, or later. Schoolchildren step over the mess each morning on their way to school.

At Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council's environment committee, Skillen raised the issue. She asked how council enforcement could address incidents at such late hours.

A council officer classified the fouling as an environmental crime. The officer stated enforcement officers can patrol targeted areas in a manner similar to police beats.

The officer noted that such patrols aim to change offender behaviour. People often return to the same actions afterward.

The council can pursue enforcement once the offender's identity is confirmed, the officer added.