AN escalating problem of dog fouling has led to fears that dogs could be banned from town council owned property if owners fail to clean up after them.

According to town clerk Steve Parkinson, Alton Town Council has received a growing number of complaints from users in particular of the Public Gardens and Anstey Park, concerned about the amount of dogs mess fouling the ground and raising issues of health and safety.

Staff tending the Public Gardens have noticed an increase in recent months in the amount of dog mess to be cleared up on a daily basis, despite the fact that all areas in East Hampshire affording public access are covered by the Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996. This requires owners to clear up after their animals and carries a fixed penalty of £25, rising to up to £1,000 for persistent offenders.

On the spot fines can be issued to those Ôcaught in the actÕ by EHDC dog wardens or by witnesses willing to stand up and be counted.

The ruling applies to such areas as Flood Meadows, Jubilee Fields, the Butts and Anstey Park, where complaints have been received from members of the rugby and football clubs, who have to walk their pitches to check for dogs mess before they can start play.

ÒIt is a very unpleasant practice not only for our staff, but for parents, children and sports people using the town council facilities, and it is unnecessary. The onus is on dog owners to clean up after their animals,Ó said Mr Parkinson who warned that, if owners failed to take a more responsible attitude towards their pets, the next step would be to consider a ban.

He is urging anyone who sees a dog owner allowing their animal to foul public land without picking up after them to contact animal welfare technician Dave Griffiths at the EHDC dog wardens department on 01730 266551

r Note should be taken also that dogs are only allowed in the Public Gardens on a lead.