YOUNGSTERS from Latchford Giants ARL had to dispose of seven bags of dog fouling before they could play on pitches at Warrington’s Victoria Park at the weekend.
Now Warrington Borough Council has pledged to tackle the issue which sparked a storm of protest on social media, with parents complaining about the state of sports pitches around the town.
A council spokesperson said: “We very much share these concerns and will be erecting signage on site as soon as possible to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.
“We are keen to tackle irresponsible dog owners and ensure they’re held accountable. Where we’re able to trace the person responsible we’ll be able to investigate further and take appropriate action (officers can only investigate where the fouling has taken place on council land).
“We appreciate that it is often difficult to witness the actual fouling taking place, however we need as much information about the person responsible.”
Offenders face a fixed penalty fine of £50 or a maximum penalty on conviction of £1,000.
The spokesperson added: “We check the pitches before cutting and marking, but ultimately the pitch hirers make a final check as part of their duty of care towards the players.”
Meanwhile there is a dog fouling consultation live at warrington.gov.uk/consultation where the council asking for residents’ views on the scale and cost of the problem, who’s affected by it and for views on how the issues might be addressed.
Dog fouling can be reported online at Warrington.gov.uk/report or by phoning 01925 443322.
Only 7 bags of Dog fouling collected of @WarringtonBC pitches today at Vicky Park.
@warringtonworld pic.twitter.com/HgRBvfGjLK
— Latchford Giants ARL (@LatchfordGiants) April 3, 2016
@LatchfordGiants @WarringtonBC @warringtonworld disgusting they all know kids play on them fields
— Lee Faulkner (@OMonteCristo2) April 3, 2016
@LatchfordGiants @WarringtonBC @warringtonworld one of the u9’s scored and a pile was right next to his face 😡
— Katie Cannon (@yorkshirerosie) April 3, 2016
@LatchfordGiants @briers6 @WarringtonBC @warringtonworld come on!! That’s shocking . Why can’t people pick up there s****??
— Ian knott (@ianknott_13) April 3, 2016
@LatchfordGiants @WarringtonBC @warringtonnews @warringtonworld horrible happens at every ground people know kids play on these fields
— Rachaelzoe (@foxydiables) April 3, 2016
