A real mess

A DISGUSTED parent is kicking up a stink about the state of a popular recreation ground.

The father-of-two, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that the Grange Recreation Park in Letchworth GC is littered with dog mess.

"It is all over the place, it really is disgusting. There's dog bins provided and there's dog fouling underneath the bins," he said.

The man said the situation is so bad that he is reluctant to take his children, aged six and seven, to the park.

He said: "They're saying that kids need to get out and get more exercise and you actually go somewhere where they can play and it's not fit for them to run around in.

"I've stopped taking them up there now because you can't even take them up there with a football for a kickabout."

As well as families, the man is also concerned about other groups who use the park.

He said: "I think they need to do something about it. There are football teams that play up there every weekend and it must be awful for them."

The resident was keen to stress that there are responsible dog owners who do clean up after their pets, but there are many who ignore the bins around the park.

He believes that North Herts District Council, which runs the park, should send a warden to patrol the site.

"Perhaps if a warden goes up there and starts punishing people they'll get the idea and start taking care of the park," he said.

A spokesman from NHDC said: "There are several dog bins in the recreation ground which are emptied once a week.

"The football pitch is also cleared before games.

"The NHDC dog warden visits the ground on a regular basis and if he sees owners not clearing their dog's mess up, he speaks to them.

"NHDC would urge residents to be responsible dog owners and to help the council keep the area in a suitable state for everyone to enjoy.