Dog mess ruins life outdoors for South Staffordshire pupils

Forest School, part of St Chad's First School and Nursery in Pattingham, has now written to the parish council requesting funding for a fence in a bid to address the problem.

The leafy surroundings of the school were originally intended to be a nature reserve with wildlife and a play area.

But constant mess on the fields is proving a hindrance to the school which has, at times, been forced to cancel some outdoor activities.

A letter read out from Forest School during last night's Pattingham and Patshull Parish Council meeting pleaded with councillors to fund the solution.

It said: "We would like you to consider a new fence to stop dogs contaminating the school. In extreme cases the school has had to cancel activities because of the mess."

Councillor Anna Mazzone said the issue was becoming a regular problem for the school. She said: "It's becoming a problem every week we go there.

"It would be more comfortable for dog walkers as well if it was fenced off – they wouldn't worry about the dog running off to the school."

Signs warning dog walkers to keep off the land have been found in a nearby bin.

It is anticipated the fence would cost around £2,000.

Acting chairman of the council, Mike Finch, stated work would need to be looked at in tandem with a drainage project due to be undertaken on the playing fields.

He added: "Funding is an issue but there must be consent from the district council.

Parish councillor Joan Burton, who also represents South Staffordshire Council, said: "There'a a lot of thought to go into this." Five new posters asking dog walkers to clean up their pets' mess were previewed to councillors.

But members doubted that putting signs up would make a big difference.