AS we enter another football season, once again I am dismayed at the amount of people I see exercising their dogs on the college playing fields.

I am often to be seen, on a Saturday morning, putting the nets up in preparation for youth matches and it amazes me how many people bring their canine friends on to the college grounds.

I was given to understand that these areas are out of bounds for dog walking and that there is an area dedicated to such activity. However, signposting is not that apparent although common-sense would tell these persons that children play on these areas throughout the year.

I have made it a habit to walk the pitch before games in order to remove sticks and animal deposits, but cannot guarantee finding every item.

I would remind irresponsible owners that they may end up being the cause of a child being blinded by a playstick or getting covered in excreta. It probably won't be their child so they probably won't care about it — Fido's exercise is more important.

Given that financial constraints prohibit the council from patrolling the playing fields, I have to appeal to dog owners to restrict their pets to the areas provided. The council might get round to positioning new signs in prominent display and, once in a while, send someone to monitor the grounds. (About eight on a Saturday morning is a good time.)

Perhaps I should carry my camera so we can publish a rogues' gallery, for the town's parents to see. Good old 'name and shame'.

J P Pearce

Chairman

Okehampton Argyle Youth Teams

23 Oak Road

Okehampton