DOG owners have been warned they could be banned from a nature reserve -- because their animals are scaring off all the wildlife.

Wardens at Foxhill Bank, Oswaldtwistle, have said irresponsible people are spoiling the beauty spot for other users by not keeping dogs on a lead.

There is also concern about the health risks posed to children playing in the reserve by dog dirt which is not being cleared away.

Now as a desperate measure Hyndburn Borough Council is to introduce on the spot fines to owners who allow their pets to foul the area. Coun Dave Parkins, who represents the council on the reserve management committee, said: "I hope all dog owners will start behaving responsibly from now on, because a few thoughtless people are spoiling things for everyone else.

"The reserve relies on the superb work of local volunteers who give their time for free, and they should not have to put up with this.

"If things don't improve we may have to take drastic action, like banning dogs or closing the reserve altogether."

Foxhill Bank was set up in the late 1980s in response to appeals from people who wanted to maintain the reservoirs as a natural open space. It became a statutory local nature reserve in 1999 and by-laws were introduced to protect wildlife, including a stipulation that dogs be kept on a lead at all times.

Last year the council made an order requiring owners to clean up after their dogs if they fouled the footpaths at the reserve.

John Lamb, conservation officer with the Wildlife Trust, which provides volunteer wardens to manage the site, said: "It is becoming a real problem. If dogs are allowed to run all over the place they disturb nesting birds and other wildlife.

"Foxhill Bank is the only local nature reserve in Hyndburn, and wildlife must be given priority here."

Steve Wood, the council's dog warden, will be carrying out spot checks over the next few weeks, and anyone in breach of the by-laws could be given an on the spot fine.

"Serious diseases can be contracted by anyone coming into contact with dog dirt. Young children are particularly at risk," he said.