I read with interest your article on dogs not on leads and fouling playing fields, etc. I walk four small children to drop off one at Hannah More school

I read with interest your article on dogs not on leads and fouling playing fields, etc.I walk four small children to drop off one at Hannah More school. When the oldest started school last September I e-mailed the council about dogs in the Grove playing fields not being on leads and so many people just going there to exercise their dogs. All my children are wary and one is terrified of dogs. The reply was that the fields are 'private' and not a matter for the council.I also commented on the dog faeces on all the local paths and walking areas, both around the school and within Nailsea and also Yatton where two of the children live. When we tried to use the Yatton end of the Strawberry Line it was so bad that we have not tried to use it since.I received no comment.I am fed up of telling the children to watch where they walk and turning a healthy, fun exercise into a 'dog pooh' spotting nightmare!I appreciate people keep dogs for all sorts of reasons but really object to quite a large number of irresponsible owners. A childminder whom I met said she had been told the only way to 'combat' such people was to follow them home, having watched them with their dog, and then report it, and their address to the council!In view of the many reports of people being 'knifed, attacked and injured' when politely asked to refrain from doing something 'antisocial' I cannot imagine any member of the public daring to intervene. Elizabeth Rhodes - Via e-mail