CONCERNS have been raised over persistent dog fouling in Shotton.

At their monthly meeting, Shotton town councillors expressed their frustration over the issue, particularly on the Shotton Lane 33 Club Playing Field.

Members heard how there are also issues with dog walkers on the marked pitch and enforcement officers are aiming to crackdown on the issues.

Kevin Crumplin, of Flintshire Council, said: "Three people were issued recently for walking their dogs on the pitch.

"We completed an extended education campaign, now it's moving on and officers are out on the ground and witnessing things like dogs are fouling on the pitch. Officers are out on the ground dealing with this. "They have been faced with a few people who when approached, run away, which isn't surprising."

Cllr Mike Evans, who has raised the issue several times, said since enforcement officers have cracked down, he has seen an improvement.

He said: "We have improved a lot, only found four (dog fouling incidents) last week which is a vast improvement so hopefully we are getting that message across."

Councillors also said there were issues with dog fouling in areas such as Central Drive, Rowleys Drive, Nelson Street and Ash Grove.

The playing field is currently part of a public space protection order (PSPO) which bans the walking of dogs on marked football and rugby pitches.

The PSPO has been in place for two years and is set to be reviewed in October this year, however, concerns were also raised over dog walkers on the marked pitch.

Cllr Kelly Evans said: "We have noticed when going up and down there are enforcement officers but they are sitting there in a van, clearly marked with Flintshire County Council so no-one will go on there. There needs to be someone on there unmarked."

Members were told that officers do not have any unmarked vehicles but they will dress differently at different times due to having 40 open spaces to get around.

Cllr Mike Evans raised concerns over what happens if someone steps onto the pitch accidentally.

He said: "Is discretion used when someone veers onto the pitch? These are law abiding citizens, if little Toby runs on there they do get him off quickly. A dog will just wonder on."

Cllr Angela Phillips added: "Surely having vans there and uniforms is a deterrent."

Members heard how enforcement officers do have cameras on them and if it is a 'foot on and foot off' incident, officers will not deal with it.

Cllr Gary Cooper, chair of the council, said they need to be careful regarding entrapment laws and having unmarked people approach offenders.

Wayne Jones, of Streetscene, said: "I know it's taking forever but we have still got the legal process to go through but we need that information off you."