A BOROUGH council hopeful says that dog fouling is putting the sports teams that use Shaw Street playing fields at risk.

Cathy Mitchell will be contesting the Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft seat in the Warrington Borough Council elections for Labour in May.

She is calling for a crack down on the 'selfish' minority of dog owners who do not pick up after their pet and is working alongside Warrington Borough Council's enforcement team on the issue.

Mrs Mitchell said: "It is clear to us that the incidents of fouling in this part of the village are becoming more severe.

“We are grateful that the Council’s enforcement team are involved. Previously, we have had success in addressing some of the most challenging dog fouling issues whilst working with dedicated officers from the local authority.

“We are pleased to learn that the enforcement officers will be contacting both the junior and adult rugby teams who use the playing fields on a regular basis.

"Dog fouling represents a serious health hazard, and selfish acts by a minority who do not clean up after their pets are putting our sports teams at risk.

“We are clear that, if offenders are caught, the council should exercise their powers to fine the perpetrators and clamp down on this problem for the benefit of everyone in our community.”

The issue has also been referred to Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council and enquiries have been made about the possibility of introducing a 'dog control area', similar to the one used in Orford Park.