Wroughton and Wichelstowe Football Club has joined Vision 4 Wroughton in supporting Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council’s Poo Free Parish campaign.
The initiative was launched earlier this year to encourage responsible dog ownership and reduce dog mess being left on streets, paths, playing fields and other public spaces.
The issue is particularly important for the football club, with more than 450 children regularly taking part in outdoor sport through the organisation.
Dog mess left on or around pitches can cause problems for players, coaches and volunteers using the facilities.
Will Crowe, chair of Wroughton and Wichelstowe FC, said:
“Wroughton and Wichelstowe FC is proud to support this important initiative.
“More than 450 children from our communities take part in weekly outdoor sport through our club, and having clean and safe pitches is absolutely essential.
“Dog fouling really does create big problems for our players, so we’re keen to ask members of the public to take extra care while out walking their dogs.
“On behalf of everybody at the club, we sincerely thank the parish council and everyone in the community who supports this important initiative.”
Vision 4 Wroughton has also backed the campaign. The group maintains Willow-Brook Gardens and Ashen Copse, which are regularly used by residents.
Bev Margerison, from Vision 4 Wroughton, said: “We are solidly behind the parish council’s Poo Free Parish initiative.
“These spaces are widely used by the community for leisure activities, so they need to be free of contamination from dog poo for the sake of users and the people who maintain the areas.
“Please help us by carrying a poo bag and putting it in the bin. Also, please do not leave full poo bags hanging on trees or on the ground.”
Cllr Lisa Campisano, chair of the parish council’s open spaces committee, welcomed the support from both organisations.
She said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to have these two wonderful community groups on board with our dog fouling campaign.
“Dog fouling has a real impact on other people, particularly those using our parks, playing fields and other shared spaces.
“Nobody should have to worry about stepping in dog mess, and footballers certainly shouldn’t have to encounter it while playing or training.
“The vast majority of dog owners already pick up after their pets, and we’re asking everyone to play their part.”
Wroughton and Wichelstowe Parish Council is encouraging other businesses, organisations and community groups to support the Poo Free Parish campaign and help spread its message.
