Concerned parents in Burnham-On-Sea have this week called for better enforcement of dog fouling laws in the town due to the “disgusting” state of play areas.
Nikki Triggol and her 11 month old daughter Jasmine Rose, pictured, are among the parents who frequently use the Winchester Road play area besides Burnham Infant School.
They say the actions of a few “irresponsible” dog owners have left the facility in such a poor condition that the health of users is being put at risk.
“The field and two paths which run around the back of the school, which I and a lot of parents use, are plagued by the problem of dog owners not picking up their dogs’ mess,” said Nikki.
“I constantly have to dodge poo and am sometimes not so lucky with my pram wheels which always often have to be scrubbed clean when I get home.”
“There are dog waste bins and notices warning of fines, but they just don’t seem to work. It is a massive worry for me and many parents because of the diseases – such as parvovirus and toxocariasis – that can be picked up by the mess.”
“I love living in this area and it is a shame that a few irresponsible pet owners out there are spoiling it for the rest of us.”
Claire Faun, Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that enforcing dog fouling rules is difficult, but that the authority does prosecute dog owners when necessary.
“All public green spaces and play areas overseen by the council are patrolled on a regular, intermittent basis to prevent dog owners recognising our patrol schedules.”
“The green spaces cannot be monitored all the time and the onus is on pet owners to be responsible and clean up their dogs’ mess.”
“We do take action against offenders whenever we can and have just this week successfully prosecuted a dog owner caught fouling Apex Park in Highbridge who has been fined £120.”
Our photos show Nikki Triggol and her 11 month old daughter Jasmine Rose at the play ground at Winchester Road in Burnham
