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PARISH councillors at Grove want dogs restricted to leads in two popular exercise areas in a bid to cut a fouling problem.

They would like to see a dog control order introduced on the recreation ground in Cane Lane and Wasbrough Field - it would mean owners having to keep their animals on leads at all times and restricting them to the perimeter of the land only.

The proposal is the latest step in controversial plans to ban dogs from the two areas following a catalogue of complaints from sports teams using the pitches whose players have ended up getting covered in dogs' mess - and the health risk it poses.

However, the parish council would have to go through Vale of White Horse District Council to get the order imposed - and any objections would have to considered.

The parish council would also need the permission of Bill Wasbrough, owner of Wasbrough Field, before the order was enforced. Mr Wasbrough leases the land to the council for public use and is opposed to the idea of a complete ban.

Parish clerk Graham Mundy said: "Dogs won't be able to run fully at all. They have to be kept on leads. It would be an interim measure.

"There is a process we have to go through to implement a dog control order with the Vale of White Horse District Council. We would have to wait for any objections."

Environmental wardens from the Vale council would patrol the area and Thames Valley Police said they would also support the search for offenders. Fines would be handed to anyone caught without their dog on a lead.

Roger Homer, of Grove Rugby Club, said: "Anything that stops dogs messing on the pitch is a good thing.

"It's got slightly better but we definitely want the ban. You can't have dogs running over the pitches the kids play on. It's disgraceful, it's absolutely disgusting."

Dog walker Vanessa Patrick, 42, of Fairfield Close, said: "I'm not happy because I always pick up after my dog. Other areas are a bit isolated for dog walking but this area is quick, convenient and safe.

"I wonder if it's all done at night and in the evenings when it gets dark and people can't see what their dogs are doing."

A pensioner from Columbia Way said: "It's a shame. It's very social and it's convenient to come here. My dog needs to have a good run round and he is familiar with this walk, he almost brings me here."

The parish councillors have agreed that alternative exercise areas need to be found before the ban is put in place. Dog owners have been asked to make suggestions as part of a public consultation on the dog ban.

Residents should write to the council before May 27 to make sure their views are heard.

4:13pm Friday 2nd May 2008

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