Do you know......????

East Lothian is a DOG WATCH area!

It is estimated that dogs deposit one thousand tonnes of excrement every day. If the dog isn't wormed it could carry over one million Toxocara eggs! Toxocara eggs become infectious when they develop into embryos 2 - 3 weeks after dogs deposit them. The eggs can survive for up to 2 years and can lead to disease in humans, epilepsy and even permanent blindness. Children, who are the age group most at risk, are very prone to infection through contact with toys, pram wheels or shoes.

It takes less than a minute to clean up after your dog but if you're one of the ones that just walks away you could be given a £40 Fixed Penalty Fine or face a criminal conviction!

Did you know that the Council provides FREE poop scoop bags which can be collected from offices, community centres and libraries or you could help the environment and your local community further by using your old carrier bags instead of binning them.

If you experience problems with other people failing to clean up after their dog, contact the Dog Watch team on 01875 824305 or visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk.

Core Paths for Cockenzie and Port Seton

East Lothian Council has produced a Core Paths Plan, which describes a network of Core Paths for East Lothian. After extensive consultation, East Lothian's Core Paths Plan was formally adopted by the Council in December 2010. East Lothian now has a network of over 325 kilometers of Core Paths, offering great access to a variety of landscapes and scenery, as well as 25 kilometers of aspirational routes, which will be delivered in the future to further improve East Lothian's path network.

Cockenzie and Port Seton are now well served by Core Paths on the ground, including the John Muir Way along the coast, as well as inland routes and circuits. You can view a map of your local Core Paths on ELC's website (www.eastlothian.gov.uk) or alternatively by contacting the Outdoor Access Officer.

Why not go out and explor your local paths - they are a great way to get active and discover our countryside, wildlife and scenry on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

Or why not volunteer to be a Path Warden and help to keep and eye on your local paths, or perhaps undertake some basic maintenance work such as clearing fallen branches.

Contact: Jennifer Lothian, Outdoor Access Officer, East Lothian Council. Tel: 01620 827419; Email: outdooraccess@eastlothian.gov.uk.