RESIDENTS in Orford say dogs fouling a playing field is linked to grass not being cut properly there.

Jenny Dawbarn, aged 58, lives on Cossack Avenue, where there is a popular playing field used by children in the area.

She says she does not currently allow her two grandchildren, aged five and seven, to play on there because of dog mess.

Mrs Dawbarn believes dog dirt is being left in long grass that is not being cut properly by Warrington Borough Council.

She said: “The council are cutting the middle of the field, but not the sides.

“Dog dirt is being left in the long grass but it might be hard for the owners to clean it up as the grass is so long.

“We have been in touch with the council and they say they will send an inspector down but you never see anyone.

“They could alternate the cutting and do one side of the field one week, and the other next.

“I won’t let either of my grandchildren on to the field because of the dog dirt.

“The field is well used by children in the area, they are on it all the time.”

A council spokesperson said: “Budget restraints mean cutting for some of the larger open areas of grassland will be less frequent.

“This applies to the whole borough and is a result in the council having to make difficult budget decisions due to a reduction in funding from the Government. We are reviewing the impacts and will look to alter and reshape areas that are uncut to suit the local usage of the site.”

The complaint is the latest in a string of grass-related issues in Orford.

Residents on other estates have previously hit out after the council’s programme to trim grass verges was reduced. As revealed in the Warrington Guardian, the council will spend £1.4 million on street services, including cutting verges, this year.