IN A society that never appears to let up in its demonisation of young people, it is almost a relief to hear that it's not youngsters who are forcing rangers at Hengistbury Head to call for reinforcements.

But how ridiculous is it that supposedly intelligent adults cannot accept or understand the effects of their own antisocial behaviour at a time when we're the ones most likely to moan about yobs creating problems?

Yes, it's low-level abuse, but any abuse from adults is going to warrant special attention, especially when it comes to the subject of dog fouling.

What is it about some dog owners that makes common sense unattainable when it comes to clearing up after their pets?

There are few things worse than having to dodge piles of dog mess, especially when you're enjoying a beauty spot... and perhaps don't even own a dog. Yet so many appear to flout the law - and yes, it is an offence for anyone to fail to pick up their dog's faeces in most public places.

Indeed, the council's Environmental & Consumer Protection Services can take legal action against dog owners where an offence is witnessed, so if there are powers to prosecute these thoughtless, selfish and lazy individuals, let's at least use them.

  • OF course, A-levels were much harder in my day.

Actually, I've no idea if that annual statement is true because it was so long ago, but who cares?

Let's celebrate the achievements of our students and applaud them on to a path that will probably have a lot more potholes to negotiate than exams.