DOG walkers at the recreation ground in Cullompton will now have to keep their pets on a leash.

Members of the town’s community association voted to take action because dog owners have been allowing their pets to roam inside the children’s playground and foul on the recreation ground.

Association chairman Ashley Wilce said: “Our grass-cutting contractor has told us that if there is no improvement, they will be unable to cut the grass for health and safety reasons.

“Allowing dogs to foul and not cleaning up after them is also a particular health risk to children – there have been cases of children being blinded.

“It also presents infection risks to other dogs”

The community association is working with Mid Devon District Council to tackle dog owners who fail to clean up.

The maximum penalty for committing an offence under a dog control order is £1,000.