DOGS are not banned from any public park in the Borders, council chiefs confirmed this week.

That is despite the local authority considering plans to introduce byelaws in town’s across the region three years ago.

And, even with several high profile campaigns, some irresponsible dog owners are still failing to clean up after their pets.

Galashiels Community Council this month heard the sports fields at Netherdale - where Scottish rugby’s most capped player, Chris Paterson, and former Scotland football captain John Collins kicked off their careers - remained among the worst areas affected, with one youngster being covered in excrement while playing rugby just last month.

Johnny Gray, speaking from the public gallery, said: “It could be quite disastrous from a health point of view, I’m not sure what the disease is if they were to get this in their eyes.” Community council chairman Ian Purvis agreed. He said: “It’s filthy and disgusting.” But, in reference to the withdrawal of traffic wardens, he added: “The biggest problem is regulating it - we can’t even regulate parking in this town at the moment.” Scottish Borders Council this week advised anyone who would like to report a dog fouling incident to call 0300 100 1800.

A local authority spokesperson said: “We are aware of this issue at the back pitches at Netherdale and have erected anti dog fouling posters in the area. We have also discussed the matter with the police and our staff will check the pitches on a regular basis to identify the extent of the problem.

“Dogs are not banned from any public park in the Borders, including Netherdale, and to do so would be a lengthy legal process.” But they added: “While the majority of owners are responsible, we would appeal to the minority who allow their dogs to foul in public areas not to do so, particularly on sports pitches which carry increased health risks.