CHUDLEIGH Knighton Primary School headteacher John Meehan is upset that 'foul play' is going on at the school playing field, as careless dog owners are letting their pets foul on the play area.

Vandals have also scraped off the wording of a £98 sign – which was paid for out of the school's budget – at the entrance to the field.

All 119 pupils are timetabled to use the field, but because there are no washing facilities, it is becoming increasingly difficult.

'At the moment we are having to check the area before it is used. I can see it is an attraction for dog owners as it is a large open space, but it is very important for the children, so it is a lack of consideration really,' said Mr Meehan.

The school fought hard for many years to have access to a playing field, and eventually it became available in the autumn.

The children made use of it this spring, when the weather improved.

However, the dog mess fiasco could stop them using the field to its full potential, and Mr Meehan said some year six pupils found the dog fouling offensive.

'Year six pupils have started making posters to put up on the field fence to inform people that the field is in use. The pupils are very offended by it all,' said Mr Meehan.

He believed that dog owners used the field mainly in the early mornings and evenings – he has yet to see a dog using the field.

He also stressed that he thinks that the people who vandalised the sign, are not the dog owners who have been using the field.

Mr Meehan wants to see people being more considerate.

'The use of the field is timetabled so all pupils can use it. After-school clubs also use

it for rounders and cricket.

'Sports day is also coming up in the near future as well as a picnic on the field, so it is important that the field is clean.'