We are blessed in Coddenham with an abundance of countryside and public foot paths which can be used for dog walking, we also have dog bins in the village to place any waste.

The majority of dogs and and their owners conduct themselves responsibly and are a welcome sight out and about.

Sadly, there have been new incidents of dogs fouling particularly around the play area on the Coddenham Centre recreation ground recently. This creates a risk to public health, particularly for youngsters.

Any dogs on the recreation ground should be kept on a lead and away from the children’s play area please.

We want everyone to safely enjoy facilities, but as you probably know, it is an offence under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 to not to clear up after your dog. There are local powers to issue on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices of £50 and the option to prosecute (yes), which could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

If the situation is allowed to deteriorate, we will be faced with the sad option of having to ban dogs from the recreation ground.

Everybody is welcome to use ‘the facilities’, but they are for safe play, recreation and exercise only please!