Operation Transformation leads to Eden dog foul campaign

RTE's Operation Transformation continues to have positive effects in Edenderry. Not only has it led to up to 300 locals going walking with leader Adrian Brereton twice a week in a bid to support him, but this week it has also prompted the launch of an anti-dog fouling campaign in the town. Speaking to the Offaly Independent town councillor and Tidy Towns committee member Noel Cribbin said dog fouling is the only bad thing walkers have sometimes literally run into on the community walks that have begun since local man Adrian was chosen as one of the programme's leaders. However a meeting between Edenderry Tidy Towns committee members and Offaly County Council staff has resulted in the launch of what Cllr Cribbin describes as "an intensive campaign" by Edenderry litter warden Paul Fogarty. Warning dog owners to clean up after their pet while out walking, Cllr Cribbin said future offences will result in people being "named and shamed" and potential fines of up to €250. "We're trying to do our best to support Adrian," the councillor said, adding that if necessary cameras will be installed in the town to catch culprits. Pooper scoopers are available for free in Edenderry Town Hall, Adrian Brereton's shop Pet's Paradise and in Sweeney's and Mangan's filling stations, and Cllr Cribbin urged dog walkers to avail of them. He also said the Tidy Towns AGM is coming up in the town this week. The meeting will take place in Byrne's at 8.30pm on Thursday, February 2 and all people and ideas are welcome. Up to 300 walkers take to the streets of Edenderry with Adrian Brereton every Tuesday and Thursday for an hour of walking after meeting at the town hall at 7pm. Operation Transformation presenter Kathryn Thomas even graced a walk with her presence recently. Walking is paying off for Adrian Brereton, who recorded a loss of 6.5lb on the RTE show last week and is down a total of one and a half stone since the beginning of the programme just after Christmas. According to RTE Adrian surprised himself last week, picking up an apple and a bottle of water as a snack without even thinking about it when on his way to see his son play a match. "He nearly crashed the car when he realised what he'd done," an RTE spokesperson reported.