THE leaders of South Zeal Beavers' pack have refused to take youngsters to a local beauty spot until the problem of dog mess has been cleared up.

Despite the publicity given to new legislation which means irresponsible dog owners could be fined up to £1,000, South Zeal still seems to be a problem area.

A spokesperson for the Beavers said the boys could no longer enjoy a ramble around Ramsley Common.

'The boys had been looking forward to their last visit, but instead of being able to walk freely and enjoy the spectacular scenery it was eyes down to avoid dog faeces everywhere,' they said.

Beavers' leaders have declared they will not take the pack back to the common if dog owners continue to be irresponsible.

Chairman of South Tawton Parish Council Bill Cann said people had been using Ramsley Common to walk their dogs instead of areas within the village which were, until very recently, under foot and mouth restrictions.

'The common is not in the dog warden's remit but as a parish council we will be asking them to to take a walk up there — anyone who is caught not clearing up after their dog will be prosecuted,' he said.

'I would like to make a plea to dog owners once again to act sensibly.

'It is a great shame that the youngsters are being preventing from doing their activities because of a few irresponsible people.'