TROWBRIDGE Town Park has taken a big step towards becoming a dog mess free zone after four dog poo bag dispensers were installed.

The dispensers, which each contain bio-degradable bags, have been placed in four locations in the park after a collaborative effort by Trowbridge Town Council and Garston Veterinary Group.

Aby Cooper, the council’s customer services manager, contacted all veterinary practices in the Trowbridge area to ask if they could supply the dispensers and Garston agreed to help.

Miss Cooper said: “We want to continue welcoming dogs in the park but dog owners must take responsibility for cleaning up their dog’s mess.

“These dispensers are a reminder to people to do that and they also add a bit of social pressure.

“A lot of work is going into making the park a nicer place and this is another addition to that. Nobody wants to be playing in a park with dog poo and we hope people use the bags.

“We're very grateful to Garston for supplying them."

Garston stumped up the costs to provide the four bins and bags, which came to a total of nearly £1,000, and the practice will also cover the running costs, including replace the bio-degradable bags.

Sarah Holmes, of Garston, said: “We were more than happy to say yes when the council asked us as for help as there is a dog poo problem in almost every town and in some instances it puts people off dogs, but that shouldn’t be the case.

“The last thing parents want is for their children to be playing hopscotch with dog poo and we’re glad we were able to reduce the likelihood of that happening in Trowbridge."