SIR — Having read the recent letters on the dog debate, I feel that someone should write in defence of the Watchet War Memorial Ground Committee - of which I am not a member.

How can these people who give up their time and effort to help provide a facility and maintain the upkeep of the ground for the use of so many Watchet people, both young and adult, be accused of "ruining the lives of so many"?

Half the committee are probably too old to participate actively in sport themselves now, but perhaps it needs pointing out that Watchet has three adult football teams and two cricket sides who use the ground EVERY weekend of the year barring adverse weather, as well as midweek training sessions.

In recent years, more youth teams than ever before have used the ground - Under 13 cricket and football from Under 11s to Under 16s.

Watchet FC's home attendances are probably the best in the Somerset County League.

Is this enjoyment for only a few?

Unfortunately, recent years have also seen an increase in the amount of dog mess evident and concealed on the Memorial Ground.

No doubt it is only the minority of owners who are culpable, but very rarely is there nothing to clear up on match day pitches or training areas and inevitably some is missed.

It is not a case of "a bit of dog poo on a shoe" - though that is unpleasant enough - more a real danger of someone's health at risk when falling on the grass.

Some owners either find it amusing or become aggressive when it is pointed out to them that their pet is urinating on goalposts or nets awaiting erection by hand.

Yes, broken glass is also obviously a dangerous nuisance, but this is usually tidied up from visible concrete areas.

True, the Memorial Ground is neither owned by, nor just for the use of, the cricket and football clubs, but they do pay a rent and if dog owners really make greater use of the field then perhaps they might form a club and follow suit as well as the Council Tax which we all pay.

Without a committee to care for the state of the ground things would deteriorate, threatening the future of cricket and football in Watchet.

Would the majority really prefer a potential dog toilet for the region?

It is not the committee's role to find alternative exercise areas for dogs.

There are dog lovers and owners within the cricket and football clubs who are affected - my own family included - but surely people's safety, especially where youngsters are involved, should be the overriding factor here.

At any rate, whatever the answer is "selfish" and "twaddle" are harsh words which seem inappropriate when aimed at local people serving the community, even if their recommendation to the town council is not unanimously popular!

A greater shame that a minority of irresponsible dog owners can spoil things for others.

Nick Sully,

Watchet Town Football Club.