AS a resident of Tobermory Close in Haydock, I am disgusted at the level of dog fouling in the area and more particularly, on the field/hill adjoining the close.

Some years ago, the local authority, when repairing a vandalised fence, decided to put an access way from the close to the Sankey Valley.

This, in itself, doesn't seem a bad idea, but over the years, it has become nothing more than a dog toilet for lazy, inconsiderate owners, many of whom only venture onto the field far enough to let their animals do the necessary. I have yet to see one who goes to the trouble of cleaning up after their pets. Another side-effect is that many dogs, after being indoors all day, don't actually make it to the field so local residents end up with unwanted deposits in front of their houses and driveways.

It has become so bad that law-abiding citizens cannot enjoy the use of the footpaths without picking their way through a minefield of faeces.

During the summer months, it becomes even worse as children play in the same area and it is only a matter of time before a child is infected with blindness, brain damage or worse.

Up to now, the local authority have dragged their feet, hoping the problem will disappear. What they should do is shut this access or at least pro-actively seek to prosecute offenders. If it was someone fly-tipping or dropping litter on the pavements, they would be dragged through the courts and fined. Why should dog owners get away with it?

Angry resident (name and address supplied).

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