DOGS are to be banned from Hatherleigh churchyard following complaints from residents who continuously found mess on the graves of their loved ones.

The churchyard is a popular route used as a cut-through to and from the town by many residents, including the elderly and parents with young children.

The Rev Ruth Hansford said the decision to ban dogs was not taken lightly.

'The problems have been going on for years and we have had people, who are not necessarily regular churchgoers, asking people to pick up after dogs in the churchyard.

'We have tried asking people to put dogs on leads but the problem continued and we didn't want to ban dogs outright, but it was beginning to affect health and safety.

'We had one person visit a new grave area and step in dog mess and they found it very upsetting.

'We found ten lots of dogs' muck at the end of October when we cleared up the churchyard, including on the graves and paths.'

The Rev Hansford said the churchyard was monitored over the winter but with no improvement.

'We felt it was unfair on the community to ban dogs immediately. I am sure it is only a few people and unfortunately they are spoiling it for others.

'We are gutted to have to make this decision but we have had to for the protection of those who visit and work in the churchyard out of respect to those who are buried there.'

The dog fouling problem has also affected other parts of the town with the football club banning dogs from its pitch last year.

The ban took place last Sunday and it is hoped to stop the problem once and for all.

The Rev Hansford added: 'We don't know if it will work but we have to try, and church members will be keeping an eye out.

'It will be monitored and our hope is that the ban will not be permanent.'