RESIDENTS who are letting their dogs turn the grounds of a school into a toilet are being warned to mend their ways – or face prosecution.

A raft of new measures are being introduced in Pool-in-Wharfedale to tackle a long-running problem of dog fouling on Pool C of E Primary’s playing fields.

The issue has been plaguing the school, and other sports groups who use its pitch at the end of the playground, for years.

The problem is so bad that staff and members of local football clubs – fearful of the health consequences for children and players – are forced to clean up bags of dog mess every week.

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) has now announced measures an multi-pronged action plan that he hopes will finally end the problem. stamp out the anti-social behaviour.

He said: “I am working with the dog warden, the school and the parish council to try to eliminate the incidences of dog fouling on the school playing fields. It is so disappointing that people choose to let their dogs foul the fields, causing untold problems for the school, the children, and other users.

“I have asked the dog warden to visit to try to catch the perpetrators, as this will send a strong message that it is not going to be tolerated.

“I have also ordered additional signage to be placed at Wharfe Crescent to try and reinforce the message and change people’s behaviour.

“New signage will also be placed outside the Memorial Gardens on Main Street and at the junction of Chapel Hill Road and Lower Old Pool Bank, as there are problems there as well.

“I would like to appeal to all residents to please keep off the school playing fields with dogs and, wherever you are walking your dog, to pick up after them.

“It is not the job of teachers at school or those running the sports activities to pick up after owners who refuse to use common sense and do not care about our environment.”

Cllr Anderson is carrying out a leaflet drop around the village too, to highlight the problem.

The school is making a similar plea in its newsletter. Acting headteacher Sally Fox said: “For health and safety reasons dogs should not be brought on to the school grounds at any time, including after school when children from the Kingfisher Club often play outside.

“We are sure you will be horrified to learn that three lots of dog faeces had to be removed from the Key Stage 2 playground by staff in the last week alone.

“When anyone brings a dog onto school premises we politely ask them to leave; please do not be offended as we are trying hard to keep school safe for our pupils.”

She also asks parents to help by reporting any incidents of dog fouling by calling (0113) 222 4406.

Owners who are caught letting their dogs foul the grounds face receiving a maximum fine of £1,000 if they are prosecuted, or a £75 on-the-spot fine.