THE ‘disgusting’ health hazard caused by dog mess being left on sports pitches has prompted councils in Nailsea and Clevedon to take action.

Proposals are being put forward to force dog owners to keep their pets on leads while walking them in certain areas or face a fine of up to �1,000.

In Nailsea, dogs on leads orders are being proposed for Greenfield Crescent, Grove and Fryth Way playing fields as well as the rugby pitches off Engine Lane.

These have been put forward in the hope of curbing the continuing problem, which sees sportsmen and women having to check pitches for mess before using them.

Nailsea town clerk Ian Morrell said: “The problem is that people do not clear up dogs mess and that becomes a health hazard for all the people who are playing sport.

“If dogs are on leads there is then no excuse for people not clearing up after them.”

In Clevedon, dogs on leads orders have been proposed for the seafront promenade and Coleridge Vale Playing Fields.

However, at a recent meeting of Clevedon Town Council’s town events and amenities committee it was decided an application would be made to alter the plans for Coleridge Vale Playing Fields to prevent dogs being allowed on them at all.

This, again, stems from the huge problem caused by dog mess being left on the pitches used by rugby and football players, which Councillor Chris Blades branded as disgusting.

As part of a wider consultation on new dog control orders by North Somerset Council, dogs on leads orders are also being proposed for Portishead Marina, Glebe Field in Wrington and King George V Playing Field in Cleeve.

Dog exclusion orders have been proposed for Brampton Play Area in Portishead, Tickenham Village Field adjacent to the village hall and at The Ponds in Portishead’s Village Quarter.

The public can have their say on these during a consultation which will run until June 30. Comments can be made online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/dogcontrolorders2012 or can be left at local libraries. Notices detailing the changes will also be put up at the listed locations.