CHILDREN waving placards took to the streets of Spennymoor yesterday to protest against dog owners who let their pets foul where they play.

More than 17 youngsters chanted anti-dog fouling messages and handed out plastic poop-scoop bags to dog owners they saw on the green area known locally as The Valley, between Deneside and Ox Close Crescent.

The campaign was organised by 11-year-old Stephanie Ellis who said she was fed up with getting her bike, shoes and clothes soiled because of irresponsible dog owners.

She said there were also fears among the children they would catch the disease toxocariasis, which can cause blindness.

"It's getting worse and it's really spoiling our play," she said.

"Every time we go down The Valley it either gets on your shoes, all over the wheels on your bike or on the bottom of your trousers. When we come back we have to wash it off.

"Only a few owners pick it up. The rest just come down, let them do it and then walk off. They could use their own back gardens instead of where we play."

Stephanie said it was also spoiling football practice for her nine-year-old brother, Reece, who plays for Newcastle United's under-ten's team.

The campaign gathered pace when she mentioned the problem to her friends. Stephanie drew up posters on her computer featuring messages including "Why don't you let your dogs do their mess in your garden?"

The youngsters believe the problem has increased since dogs were banned from nearby Jubilee Park.

"They drive over here and let their dogs out. They could use the woods near us, but they don't," she said.

"We're going to carry on until someone listens."

Terry Robson, clerk at Spennymoor Town Council, which owns the land, said dog fouling was a huge problem there. He said they would be applying to Sedgefield Borough Council in the next two months for powers to issue spot fines of £25.

"I'm delighted these young people have used their initiative. We really mean to do something about it because it is not fair on them or their parents," he said