Dog walkers could be banned from their village recreation area because owners are failing to clean up after their pets.

Sports teams have urged Grove Parish Council to consider banning dogs from the ground off Cane Lane and Wasbrough Field.

They said games were often delayed while dog mess was cleared up, and concerns were also raised about the excrement being a health hazard.

Grove parish councillors have agreed to a ban in principle at their full council meeting earlier this month, although it remains subject to finding dog owners an alternative place to exercise their dogs safely.

Roger Homer, 70, a trustee of Grove Rugby Club, said: "It's very positive but time will tell how successful it will be.

"It's going to take months to see if there is going to be any improvement."

Dog owner, Caroline Singer, 44, of Churchward, said the loss of the ground would be a blow to many dog walkers.

"The recreation ground is the only safe place to walk dogs, that is where a lot of people walk to."

One dog walker, who did not want to be named, said: "It's very unfair that we should be penalised, because other people do not clear up after their dogs."