THE chairman of Okehampton Town Council's parks committee has appealed to dog owners to consider other park users when exercising their animals in Simmons Park.

Cllr Teresa Edwards reacted to concerns raised by a member of the public to the town clerk. The complainant was frightened by dogs left off the lead by their owners while she was walking in the park.

Cllr Edwards told the Times: I urge the public to keep their dogs under control at all times and to please be aware of other users of the park. We want to keep the park as a place for everyone to enjoy.'

At a meeting of the parks committee last week Cllr Tony Leech suggested signs in the park should clearly state dogs should be kept on leads.

Cllr Charles Letchford told members: 'I think you find that 99 per cent of bylaws state that dogs should be kept under control. We also have the problem of enforcing that bylaw.'

Cllr David Weekes added that interpretation of the sign was so open and that the problem of dogs running around off the lead in the park must be tackled.

Cllr Michael Ireland added that the public must be made more aware of the message that dog owners should keep their pets on a lead and under control.

The committee asked the town clerk to contact Inspector Dave Hammond, of Okehampton Police, to ask whether any bylaw could be enforced and if penalty fines for errant dog owners could be applied.

l Torridge District Council is urging dog owners to pick up the poop and help keep public spaces clean for a great summer outdoors.

As part of the Dogs Trust Poop Scoop Week initiative, from July 26 to August 1, the 'Grab It, Bag It and Bin It' message is a simple action plan everyone can follow.

Cllr Barry Parsons, Torridge's lead member for environmental protection, said: 'Littering our parks, pavements and public spaces, dog poop is a problem which Torridge District Council is tackling heads on.

'While the majority of owners are responsible and pick up after their dog, a careless and selfish few are still giving everyone else a bad name.

'I would urge all dog owners to Grab It, Bag It and Bin It and keep our beautiful and much loved open spaces clean for everyone to enjoy.'