IT is with a certain amount of trepidation that I set off on the walk to school with my two young sons.

The walk along Acomb Road is littered with dog excrement and resembles more of a turd minefield than a footpath.

I appreciate the need for dog owners to exercise their pets, however I also need to exercise my kids and do not appreciate the risk of them becoming covered in this vile, potentially disease-ridden mess.

I am reliably informed that this matter has been raised countless times at ward committee meetings without any action.

It is now time for the council to act, possibly providing more dog litter bins along Acomb Road (and elsewhere for that matter as I am sure the problem is not isolated) together with notices informing dog owners of the penalties of not cleaning up.

It is also time for dog owners to be more responsible and to clear up after their pooches without constant prompting. Perhaps some enforcement of the regulations resulting in a fine or two may focus minds and other parts.

John Bramwell,

Braeside Gardens, York.

Updated: 11:04 Tuesday, February 14, 2006