I have lived in Charlton for 10 years and am a member of the parish council, also head bailiff for Andover Angling Club, a dog owner and walk the Foxcotte Lake area twice most days.

The whole of the lake area and playing fields are covered by a bye-law of which I have a copy which states that dogs must be on leads and owners must pick up their dogs mess and place into the bins provided and there are many around the area.

There are three signs stating this at various locations, one on the entrance from Foxcotte Road, another adjacent to the cafe and the third between the fishing lake and boating lake. Having said all this, I must say the majority of owners comply, but there is a hard core of dog owners who refuse to comply.

Many let their dogs run uncontrolled, and of course their dogs foul the area, and never pick up the dog poo.

Over the years I have had many run ins with these owners, I am always polite when requesting they comply with the law, you can imagine some of the reactions I get.

One of the major problems is the lack of dog signs in the car park area of the lakes, where most visitors park and walk their dogs. I have asked TVBC via letters and the parish council have also written to TVBC on at least three occasions requesting proper signage so that people visiting the area know what is expected of them.

I have also spoken directly to our local councillor, Ian Carr, on several occasions requesting his support, the last time being at our parish meeting in March this year.

Still no signs.

The council can find cash to plant trees, put in numerous seats around the area, build expensive rubbish containers, but when it comes to dog signs it’s too difficult.

I totally agree with the comments in your article, it’s frustrating that our council bury their head in the sand when it comes to making our open spaces cleaner and safer.

Peter Curry, Charlton, via e-mail