A responsible dog owner is urging others to pick up after their pets to help keep a town park clean.

Nicola Blackbourn says there has always been a problem with mess at Milton Regis recreation ground but claims it has got worse in recent months.

The mum-of-three, who regularly walks her three-year-old Jack Russell-shitzhu cross called Jazz at the grounds, off Vicarage Road, says she always makes sure she cleans up after her pooch as young children use the facilities daily and football matches are played there on Sundays.

The 41-year-old North Street resident said: “My dog is only small but it doesn’t matter how much she does I always pick up after her.

“Even on the odd occasion when I haven’t had a bag on me I’ve always managed to find something like a bit of card and a carrier bag to scoop it up and dispose of it.

“The amount of poo there is disgusting. It’s an ongoing issue. I don’t understand how anyone can just walk away and leave it. It’s a play area.

“It tends to be worse near the entrances.

“I don’t believe it’s one particular person doing it, I think it’s lots of different dog owners who just can’t be bothered to pick it up.

“There are bins for people to put the bags into so there’s no excuse really.”

Tim Oxley, animal control warden for Swale council, said: “Dog fouling affects everyone and there is no excuse for not cleaning up after your dog.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind dog owners they can put dog waste in normal litter bins as long as it is bagged. This gives dog owners plenty of opportunity to dispose of dog waste properly.

“With the weather improving, more people will be using the borough’s community areas.

“Please help us to ensure these are kept clean and safe for everyone to use.

“Council environment wardens will be patrolling the area and will be speaking to dog owners to remind them it is their responsibility.

“If anyone is found to be not cleaning up after their dog, they will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.”