COUNCILLORS are looking at moves to ban dogs from a patch of land in Holgate, after pleas from worried parents and teachers.

A consultation could be about to launch on a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for land at Holgate Dock - between St Paul's Church and St Paul's Mews - which could mean dogs are restricted to certain hours, only allowed if they are on leads, or even banned entirely.

The patch is used as playing fields for the nearby St Paul's primary school, but is also popular with dog walkers. Problems have cropped up when irresponsible owners have not cleaned up after their pets, leaving health hazards for young children playing on the land.

Ward councillor Fiona Derbyshire said she and other councillors in the area had heard from dozens of people about the problem.

She said: "There are a lot of dog walkers who use Holgate Dock, most do so with great respect and always clean up after their animals.

"Unfortunately there are a few who don't, and although we've tried enforcement action we have not been able to catch people."

Now a report due to go before Cllr David Carr, City of York Council's executive member for safer neighbourhoods, shows that PE teachers are having to clear dog mess from the field on a daily basis, as young children are particularly at risk from the harmful bacteria that can be passed on through it.

The papers also show that letters home from the school and patrols by the council's Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers have not helped crack down on the problem.

Cllr Derbyshire said that although parents were unhappy with dog mess on the field, most wanted to find a compromise that would help dog owners as well as the school.

She has appealed for all dog owners to act more considerately and clean up after their animals and added: "Most parents are being very generous and don't want to ban dogs from the area. Most people have lots of sympathy and understanding for dog owners.

A consultation would last six weeks and would give people in the area chance to have their say on the proposals. If approved, a PSPO would last for three years and could then be extended by three years at a time.