DOGS could soon be banned from a conservation area if their owners do not clean up their act. That s the message from Melbourn Parish Council, whose members are becoming increasingly concerned about dog fouling in the Stockbridge Meadow conservation area

DOGS could soon be banned from a conservation area if their owners do not clean up their act.

That's the message from Melbourn Parish Council, whose members are becoming increasingly concerned about dog fouling in the Stockbridge Meadow conservation area in the village.

A spokesman for the parish council said: "As usual it is a minority ruining it for the majority of considerate residents.

"The meadow should be a place where families can go and look at the wildlife and plants. It is effectively a nature reserve.

"Already the parish council has had several letters of complaint about the amount of dog mess, particularly from parents."

Currently dog walkers are allowed to take their animals into the conservation area, but they must be kept on leads because of the presence of rabbits and deer.

However, if the current level of fouling continues, a total ban will be put in place from May 1.

The spokesman said: "There are currently signs at all the entrances warning dog owners, but they are being ignored.

"We will be putting up more notices, but if this makes no difference then a ban will be put in place, and anyone caught ignoring it will be fined.

"We want to make the meadow a safe place for everyone.