Dog poo is blighting Stevenage, with inconsiderate dog owners failing to pick up after their pooches.

People have been taking to Facebook to voice their annoyance, with one man saying: “Dog poo in Bandley Rise again. Dirty - letting your dogs poo everywhere. Clean up after them.”

A woman added: “Broadwater and Shephall are bad for it also.”

Parents and children are having to dodge dog poo outside Camps Hill Primary School on Chells Way.

Headteacher Emma Flawn said: “We have definitely noticed it. It’s a problem for all the schools in the area because dogs aren’t allowed on site and sometimes people tie them up outside and they do their business, which isn’t very nice, and there is also the health aspect to consider.”

Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites, which can spread to humans through contact with infected dog faeces.

It can cause a fever, stomach pain and, in rare cases, can affect organs such as the liver, lungs, eyes and brain.

Eco councillors at the primary school have decided a way to tackle the poo problem could be to restrict how close dogs can go to the school.

Sadia, who is in Year 3, added: “Owners should clean it up and we should make a sign to put outside the school.”

Stevenage Borough Council staff emptied dog waste and litter bins 76,128 times last year, but found bags of dog mess hanging from trees or dumped beside bins in parks across the town.

The council is replacing bins over the next few years, which will increase capacity for dog mess, as part of their work with communities to improve the neighbourhoods.

Councillor John Gardner, executive member for environment and regeneration, said: “Dog fouling is offensive and a real public concern. The team does a brilliant job, but occasionally people will find bins are full and then they need to take their waste home. If we all do that we can ensure Stevenage remains a great place for people and their pets.”

Last year, environmental enforcement officers issued 12 fixed penalty notices, of £75 each, for littering, which is a criminal offence and which includes leaving waste next to a bin.

To report a problem with dog fouling or litter, visit fixmystreet.stevenage.gov.uk