Published: Tuesday, 15th June, 2010 1:42pm

Councillor takes lead in bid to ban dogs from every park in Borders

by Ally McGilvray

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DOGS could soon be banned from every public park in the Borders after a senior councillor barked his support for the plans this week.

It follows complaints that children's health was being put at risk by dog owners who failed to clean up after their pets.

Last month, we revealed community councillors in Galashiels had called for dogs to be banned from the sports pitches at Netherdale - where Scotland stars John Collins (football), Chris Paterson and Gregor Townsend (rugby) kicked-off their careers.

They have repeatedly claimed that youngsters training on the playing fields were being forced to dodge dog dirt, as well as tackles, during practice - and that some had even landed in the muck.

This month, Councillor Len Wyse, Executive Member for Environmental Services at Scottish Borders Council, told the Border Telegraph: "I do support this and will see if we can get a blanket ban on sports pitches over all of the Borders. This should also apply to fenced in play areas."

He added: "At this moment I cannot promise an outcome but will work towards it."

Community council chairman Bill White previously revealed he had seen dog walkers drive down to Netherdale, open their car doors and allow their pets to foul - without even leaving their cars.

However, despite an increase in patrols by community wardens, few, if any, had been caught.

Members heard two dog walkers had been fined £40 for allowing their pets to foul a public area but the tickets could not be enforced because they were aged under 16.

Councillor Fiona Lackenby, Galashiels and District, said: "If you are so inclined send your child out with the dog because they can't be given tickets."