MIND your step!

That was the call from many parents over this dog-fouled footpath in Golcar – used by scores of primary schoolchildren every day on their walk to school.

Outraged parents, staff and pupils of St John’s Junior and Infant School in Field Head, Golcar are considering setting up their own patrol to crack down on the dog-owners who blight the area.

Mum-of-three Kerry West raised the problem of dogs defecating on a path near the school with Kirklees Council.

She said: “This path was clear before the weekend and we have come down and its covered again.

“One of the dog wardens came out and she gave out dog poo bags and poop scoops. But we need more action. We are even thinking of setting up a dog patrol as we need to tackle the issue. Children want to walk to school but this is disgusting.

“We have had a problem for a number of years. The school has run campaigns and the council have put up signs, but this is worst it’s been. It’s not nice every day to know you have to walk through the stuff.”

She added: “There are only four dog wardens for Kirklees. It’s just another case of people being overstretched.

“I know a number of people who would volunteer to patrol it to keep it clear.”

St John’s head teacher Kathryn Benford said: “It’s been an issue for a number of years. The dog wardens and local councillors have introduced bins and put up signs.

“The problem is they can’t be there all the time. I was standing at the gate yesterday morning and there was a massive pile of mess. It’s just unpleasant.