DOG owners will be asked to keep their dogs on leads in the lower part of Camelford's Enfield Park, in an attempt to reduce the amount of dog fouling, particularly in and around the children's play area, writes Suzanne Cleave.

Camelford Town Council discussed the problem at their March 17 meeting, and even considered obtaining a Dogs Order (under the Control of Dogs Act) to alleviate the problem of dog fouling and the failure of some owners to clean up after their ­animals.

Mayor of Camelford, Cllr Brian Lush, said that recently someone offered a dog owner a bag to pick up their dog mess and he was told to "go and boil his head."

He said the council needed some form of legislation to give them the power to tackle the problem. He noted that there is a lot of damage caused by dogs, such as scratching the grass, trampling over flowers and erosion of the riverbank.

"I'm not saying that we need to say every dog needs to be on a lead. On the other hand if you need to bring the sledge hammer down you've got the legislation to back you up."

Cllr Bob Ireland said he would not go in the park and ask someone to pick up after their dog without having an official badge.

Cllr Philip Lassells said he was slightly concerned about the matter. He gave an example of the pay and display charging in Churchfield Car Park, and said they were able to prove to people who was in favour of bringing back charges because a survey was carried out, but added: "You'd have to prove beyond doubt that there is a need for a control order. We don't actually know that there is."

Cllr Lush told the council that in 1995, based on veterinary practice figures, there were almost 700 dogs in the town, but Cllr Lassells said: "To say there's 700 dogs in Camelford isn't actually accurate. I've used Enfield Park for over six years. I can remember that there was a sign before the park was remodelled. It said dogs must be kept on a lead; that bylaw was never enacted, previous councils never felt the need to enact that one."

He said that when the work was carried out to the front of the park, the sign was never put back.

"It seems to me we're in danger of punishing the good guys to pick up their mess and keep dogs under control."

Councillors were informed that there have been a number of alleged dog attacks in the town, which have been reported to the council.

Clerk to the council, Brian Groves, told the council if they decided to go ahead with the Dogs Order, it would involve a lot of work. The council would have to hold meetings in the park with ­people that use it.

"If you want that to be done you will have to sort out how to take it forward."

Cllr Andy Shaw recalled that 10 to 12 years ago, dogs were barred completely from the park, and that caused a bit of a furore to say the least. Then dogs were let back in on leads in the area around the entrance of the park and in the recreation area, under owner supervision.

Cllr Sue Elford said the situation was dangerous for children who use the play area as there is often dog mess there.

"We don't need that with children. Something's got to be done."

She said that there is a gate at the far end of the park, and it would be better for owners to let their dogs off the lead past that location, but not in the children's play area.

Cllr Shaw proposed that the council erect a sign at the lower end of the park, requesting that owners keep their dogs on leads. In the upper part of the park, owners can continue to let their dogs roam off their leads, but he added that the council should apply for a Dogs Order to give them the back-up power to take further action against any owner that fails to pick up after their dog if needed.

This was seconded by Cllr Ireland and all councillors voted in favour.