DIRTY dog owners are being hounded off an estate's play area.

And junior school girl Ashley Gorton's determination to make them more responsible for the pets' action persuaded the authorities to act.

Ashley, 9, decided it was time to do something about the dog dirt problem which meant outdoor games on the sprawling Berry Fold estate in Tyldesley always ended in a hop-scotch.

She wrote to Wigan Council telling them about the state of the Thirlmere Avenue field and urging them to do something to stir dog walkers into responsible action.

Then she lobbied estate residents and in double quick time had a mass of signatures supporting her call for a roadside sign urging dog owners to clear-up any mess their pet might leave in the area.

Garrett Hall Primary pupil Ashley got local councillor and responsible dog owner Stephen Hellier to back her campaign and just how necessary her efforts were became clear when the dog danger sign was erected.

Applauding Ashley, Cllr Hellier said:"I was thoroughly glad I was wearing wellingtons - the place was plastered in the stuff. Eighty eight per cent of residents approached agreed clean-up action was necessary. Let's hope all dog owners read the sign and comply with the request."

Dog warden and environmental health representatives were with Ashley and Cllr Hellier - and his dog - when the play area sign was unveiled.

And Melanie Durkin, of the Wigan Environmental Health Department, said:"People are becoming more and more concerned about the amount of dog mess found in public places, parks, play areas and pavements.

"Stepping in it is annoying, but dog faeces can also carry disease such as

Toxocariasis and food poisoning bacteria that can be passed to people. Toxocariasis symptoms are usually mild and easily treated but in extreme cases can cause blindness.

"This infection can can be controlled by regular worming of your dog and good hygiene.

"Please remember you must be responsible for your dog's mess. Ideally toilet train your dog in your own garden, if your dog accidentally fouls a park, play area or pavement please be prepared to clean it up."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.