A GROUP of young footballers is calling on dog owners to be more responsible.

Members of the Killinghall Nomads under-tens and under-11s play on the Hydro playing fields, Harrogate, which has a dog fouling problem

Recent patrols by dog control officers and the environmental protection team from the borough council have resulted in on-the-spot fines being issued to irresponsible dog owners.

The footballers, together with the council, are using National Poop Scoop week to get the message across that not picking up after dogs is a criminal offence.

Chris Dixon, chairman of Killinghall Nomads, said: "We always do a sweep before we play any match and parents of our footballers have to regularly clear dog mess before we can start playing.

"We have seen an increase in responsible dog ownership and, generally, we have a good relationship with dog walkers. But it is sad that the minority are spoiling it for all of us."

Nicky Garside, the borough council's assistant director of health and housing, said: "We are asking residents to help us identify irresponsible dog owners.

"We don't want these young footballers to have to pick up dog dirt before they can play a match or, indeed, anyone's leisure time being spoilt by this fouling of our streets and parks."