A talented pupil from Ysgol Acrefair has seen her artwork chosen to lead the fight against dog fouling across Cefn’s communities.
Poppy’s powerful Dog Fouling awareness poster has been selected by the Cefn Community Council’s Development Committee, ratified by Full Council, and will now be displayed at all 12 dedicated Dog Fouling stations across Cefn, Acrefair, Cefn Mawr, Plas Madoc, Newbridge and Rhosymedre.
The poster, unveiled by Chairman Councillor Phil Vaughan, was part of Ysgol Acrefair’s involvement in the #StayOnSide Community Project.
Speaking after her win, Poppy said:
“I was in disbelief that my poster was chosen over the other brilliant ones in my classroom. I’m really proud that my work will be seen by so many people in our community.”
Chairman Phil Vaughan praised the competition and its impact on young people, adding:
“This project shows how our schools and communities can work hand in hand. Poppy’s poster will leave a legacy across our villages, reminding everyone that small actions like picking up after your dog make a big difference. She should be very proud.”
Andrew Ruscoe, Community Development Officer and creator of the #StayOnSide programme, reflected on the project’s growth over the past decade:
“In nine years of delivering #StayOnSide, it has gone from strength to strength. Never in my life did I imagine it would be rolled out in other councils such as Llanelli Town Council, or leave a lasting mark here with dog fouling posters carbon-written next to our stations. It is more than an honour. This project brings pride to the community, and thanks to young people like Poppy, her family will now have miles of memories every time they walk past these stations with pride.”
The initiative not only tackles dog fouling but also encourages local pride, community responsibility, and positive engagement between schools, young people, and the council.
