DOGS face being shown the red card from two playing fields in a Suffolk village after football matches were scrapped amid concerns for the health of players.
DOGS face being shown the red card from two playing fields in a Suffolk village after football matches were scrapped amid concerns for the health of players.
Lavenham Parish Council is considering banning dogs from First Meadow and the recreation field in the town, near Sudbury, after residents complained owners were not scooping up their pets' waste.
Football matches on the fields have also been cancelled as a result of the problem.
Lynn Girling, parish chairman, said the council have considered what to do about the problem of dog fouling and have decided they may ban them from the two areas completely.
“Babergh District Council asked us if we wanted to employ a warden, which the parish council would pay for, who would be able to hand out fixed penalties,” she added.
“But we said it wasn't what we wanted to do. We are very sympathetic to those who do pick it up and there are some who pick up others' - and it is unfair to those who do.
“It's not the dogs' fault but it is dangerous as it can cause a disease of the eyes.”
The two playing fields do currently have dog litterbins, which are emptied regularly, and the council have put up dog fouling notices - but Ms Girling said these were torn down.
She added: “I've had lots of letters from residents and football matches have been stopped.
“People have suggested fencing off the play area on First Meadow but we have had an estimate of £5,000 for that.
“There are lots and lots of areas for people to walk their dogs - we are very fortunate to have so many.”
The parish council have invited residents to give their suggestions and opinions on the plans before the next meeting of the council this Thursday.
Ms Girling said: “I would like to see a dog licence of £50 a year as that would go towards paying for the dog bins to be emptied.
“Babergh has 450 of them, and there is a man who is paid to come and empty them.
“We have quite a lot of the bins in Lavenham - there is five million tonnes of dog food every year so it's got to go somewhere.”
lorraine.price@eadt.co.uk
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