FENLAND Council s dog warden service is working closely with local residents to clamp down on selfish dog owners who do not pick up after their animals when they foul the playing fields in Estover Road, March. The playing fields are used for football matc

FENLAND Council's dog warden service is working closely with local residents to clamp down on selfish dog owners who do not pick up after their animals when they foul the playing fields in Estover Road, March.

The playing fields are used for football matches each week and residents have been forced to go round before matches can begin and pick up dog mess. Last week two residents collected two carrier bags full of dog mess before a game could kick off.

Residents have had enough of irresponsible dog owners and are working with the council's dog warden Terry Ball to identify culprits and impose £50 penalties.

Sue Clenshaw, of Estover Road, contacted the council on behalf of angry residents. She said: "Football matches are played on the fields every week and last week two residents filled two carrier bags with dog mess before footballers could kick off."

Terry Ball has recently conducted a survey of the Estover Road playing fields and he found that about 80 people walk their dogs on the fields each day. He said: "When dog owners see me around the fields they always pick up after their dogs and I chat to them to see if they know who is leaving their dog mess behind.

"Many of the dog owners who use Estover Road fields are responsible, but a significant proportion of them are obviously not."

Councillor Peter Murphy, portfolio holder with responsibility for parks, said: "It is great to see local residents like Mrs Clenshaw helping the council find the irresponsible dog owners.

"Dog fouling enforcement officers will now regularly patrol this area. Anyone seen leaving their dog mess behind will be issued with a £50 penalty. Our message is very clear - pick up or pay up.