WORK has started on a fence designed to protect young rugby players from the actions of irresponsible dog owners.

Some 300 metres of fencing is being erected on part of Lydney Recreation Ground to keep dogs away from the area where youngsters train.

Contractors for the Lydney Recreation Trust started work on Monday and are expected to be finished by the end of the week. Signs will then be erected.

The decision was taken in response to numerous complaints the trust had received from Lydney RFC officials.

A recent Gloucestershire rugby tournament which featured more than 1,000 young players was nearly cancelled by the referees because of the high level of dog fouling on the playing areas.

Trust chairman Derek Biddle said: “Having taken legal advice the trust has been left with no alternative other than to ban dogs from the sporting areas which will eliminate any future exposure to dog faeces, thereby

reducing any possible health risk. 

Trustees have a ‘duty of care’ for all sports players which we take seriously and it is unfortunate that due to a few irresponsible dog owners we have been forced to enclose this area.

“However, trustees not­ed that the dog mess problem has completely dis-

appeared on the football main pitch since the fencing of the area some two years ago.

“The Trust has worked hard over the last two years to improve other areas of the recreation trust ground, such as Cambourne Meadow, Lakeside, The Cut and land south of the by-pass, with wild flowers and new footpaths.

“We would like to encourage responsible dog owners to use these alternative areas. 

“We would also ask that the dog bins provided be used in order that all residents and visitors alike may continue to enjoy the open space around Lydney Lake.”