LYDNEY RFC have issued a warning to irresponsible dog owners allowing their pets to foul on the Regentsholme pitch.

The Severnside club have had problems with the pitches they use for junior games on the town’s recreation ground for a number of years, according to chairman Alan Brooks, but in recent months have seen incidents on the club’s main ground increase.

Brooks added that the club have been working hard with the town’s recreation trust, who even volunteered a working party to help out with the club’s recent mini festival.

“The Committee have been informed of several recent incidents of dog mess on the main pitch at Regentsholme,” a club statement read.

“It goes without saying that we regard this issue with the utmost seriousness given the potential health impact for players coming into contact with dog faeces, particularly with the recent mini festival at the ground.

“If members have to bring dogs to the ground, you are reminded that it is your sole responsibility for ensuring that they are kept under control and most certainly are not allowed to foul the pitch.

“We have no desire to have to ban dogs from the ground, but will be reviewing the matter over the coming months in the hope that these incidents are not repeated.”

Chairman Brooks stressed that Lydney ’has always been a family club’ and did not want to have to prevent entry to anyone, but added that it is a serious health concern.

“It’s been a problem on the trust ground and it’s been going on for years,” he said.

“But just since the season started we’ve had reports of dog mess on the pitch at Regentsholme.

“We have been speaking to the trust on a regular basis and we’re working with them to come up with a solution.

“We don’t want to ban anyone from the club at all within reason and there were a few dogs at the Brixham game on Saturday, but they were all on their leads.

“All we ask is that dog owners are aware and responsible and clean up after their pets.”