A DARWEN park should be a ‘dog-free zone’ after campaigners said they found 40 pieces of dog dirt during a litter pick.

Coun Roy Davies said action is needed after he found all of the dog dirt at the Olive Park play area.

He said dog fouling is a major issue - particularly near the children's play area - and if owners don't clean up after their pets the park should be made a no go area for dogs.

He said: “This area is used by young children and I am disgusted with the owners of the animals. It's a big area for the children to play but you can't walk on the grassed area without walking in dog muck. The streets leading up to the park are also a mess.

"The chance of infection to young children is high and a large number of people who have dogs have children as well.

"If it carries on the only solution would be to not let dogs on, or to install cameras. It's clear that it isn't just one owner - it's quite a lot of people refusing to pick up their dog's muck."

During his six years as councillor for Sudell ward, Coun Davies said dog mess had always been an issue.

"We have spent a lot of money on improving this area for the community and people are just coming and letting their dogs foul.

"Eventually somebody will get something really bad. Lets do something about it before that happens."

Last week Blackburn with Darwen Council said the issue is such a concern that a new ‘name and shame’ scheme is to be launched for people convicted of dog fouling.