Anger over inaction on dog fouling on Dallam playing fields

It comes after locals shared their anger over Dallam playing fields being a ‘minefield of poo’, with the situation ‘getting beyond a complete joke’.

The issue was highlighted with Warrington South MP Andy Carter, who said he had raised it with Warrington Borough Council to urge a crackdown.

The council said it has installed more bins and is considering ‘further enforcement’ action to tackle the problem, however residents say this has not gone far enough.

Bob Bailey, an assistant coach at Bank Quay Bulls rugby club, said: “I had a meeting with Mr Carter, who was quite promising in helping the club get the funding we needed to improve the facilities on the field and stop irresponsible dog owners allowing dogs to do the business on our pitches, and children potentially getting it all over them.

“I have sent numerous emails and photos since our meeting asking for further information if any funding is possible to fence the pitches off and install floodlights, but this has been to no avail.

“It is so disappointing in our pursuit of giving the kids of the local community a place they can come and enjoy to train and play rugby without the fear of getting covered in dog mess.

“All the coaches, team managers and committee members are all volunteers who give up their time to give these children something to do and give them something to learn in life.

“We feel as a club let down as the problem persists and is just as bad.”

Bob Bailey, an assistant coach at Bank Quay Bulls rugby club, on Dallam playing fields with Warrington South MP Andy Carter

In response, Mr Carter said: “I fully understand the frustrations around Dallam Playing Fields.

“This is an issue I have discussed with both the council and Rugby Football League.

“The RFL is opening a funding round shortly, which we are working to bid into for financial support.

“Rest assured, this is an issue I take very seriously, and I will continue to push hard to secure the funding.”

Meanwhile, a council spokesman added: “We are aware of complaints about irresponsible dog owners and dog fouling, which is a long-established problem on this parkland.

“Irresponsible dog owners are consistently undermining both the efforts of the club and the council in keeping the pitches clean.

“We would urge dog walkers to pick up after their pets, and we appreciate that the vast majority do so.

“To support this, we have installed additional litter bins to help dog walkers responsibly dispose of their waste.”