Billboards branding Herne Bay a #turdtown could soon appear as part of a campaigner’s efforts to force lazy dog owners to clean up their act.

Dad-of-two Alan Martin has called for a “guerilla” campaign using posters and social media websites so people can report the worst areas for dog mess.

Mr Martin, 31, moved to the town in January this year, after previously living in Canterbury, Boughton-under-Blean and in Thanet.

He said the problem in Herne Bay is by far the worst he has seen.

He addressed a meeting of town councillors and said on one short walk to the seafront he had come across 17 piles of dog poo.

He also described the moment his son was playing at the beach before he rolled over and became smeared in it.

Mr Martin, of Herne Drive said: “Those incidents were the inspiration to set up the campaign.

“I had a look at what the council are doing, and was not particularly satisfied, or with their response to my letters.

“So I have got the ball rolling. I can’t do this by myself, but social media is free. So people can take photos when they see people doing this, and report it to the council, and let people know about the areas which are worst-affected.

“It will paint a bigger picture about how bad this is and get the local authorities to act.”

His efforts have won some support, with councillors Peter Vickery-Jones and Joe Howes saying a hard-hitting community campaign could be positive for the town.

Yet they also feared Mr Martin might have put his foot in it by calling the campaign #turdtown, which they believe could cause a negative stigma for tourists and visitors.

At the meeting, Cllr Andrew Cook (Con) said: “It won’t help our tourist industry. It’s a bit hard-hitting for me, I would be upset with those words written across the town.”

Cllr Howes added: “I’m worried about the stigma this might have. When you think of towns like Faversham being branded as Chaversham, which took years to shake off.

“I think it’s more important to have a positive campaign encouraging people to tidy up the mess, and show the community working together for the benefit of the town.”

But Mr Martin said the #turdtown name was the only way forward.

He said: “I love Herne Bay and have chosen to live here with my family. But a negative campaign is the only way to get people’s attention and get the message across. The pain is only temporary, but the benefits would be long term.”

What do you think? Join the debate below.

Stories you might have missed

Fire at university building

Sick cannibal fantasist faces jail

'I have a death wish. Shoot me.'

A&E in 'state of crisis'