SIR — On July 19 my grandson of 18 months who lives in Watchet fell on dogs excrement on the Watchet Memorial Ground and needed his shoes and trousers changed as a result. Fortunately a change of clothes was at hand.

The next day I read letters in the Free Press complaining about the limited access for dog walkers and it made me think about the situation in other recreation grounds.

My grandson never has any problems in Blenheim Gardens, Minehead, because there is a ban on dogs. I have not carried out a survey of all recreation grounds but I notice there is a similar ban at Roadwater and at Holman Park in Lynton.

Do the dog walkers ever consider why there is a complete ban in other places? I suspect the reason is that in places where dogs are allowed there will always be some who will not clear up, and the only way to ensure that play areas are clean is to exclude dogs completely.

Dogs should not be allowed into recreation areas. To me and many others it seems obvious. Dog walkers in Watchet should consider themselves lucky to be offered any access at all, and I am surprised they are not jumping at the chance to support the council which is bending over backwards to help them.

Wouldn't it be nice to sit on the grass and allow my grandson to run around without worrying?

Alan Dyer,

Fairfield Drive,

Williton.