CHILDREN are appealing to dog walkers to clear up after their pets after a spate of dog fouling near their school.

Pupils at Scarcroft Primary School have launched a campaign to keep Scarcroft Green tidy because a rise in the amount of dog mess has meant their lessons have to be moved inside.

Ruth Wanless, deputy head at the Moss Street school, said staff are particularly concerned because bacteria in dog mess can present a risk to children’s health and cause illness and blindness.

She said the problem is likely to have arisen because the fenced off area designated for the use of the school is being used as a space for dog walkers.

In a letter to The Press, pupils from Scarcroft School Council wrote: “We can not enjoy our lovely space as people are not clearing up after their dogs. This means we are unable to do our PE lessons outside and there have been occasions when we have gone outside and had to come back in due to the amount of dog fouling.

“We would like to make people aware of this problem… We are hoping that by highlighting the issue people will tidy up after their dogs and we will be able to use our green area.”

Mrs Wanless said: “Staff have had to stop lessons and bring children in and adjust lessons. The children enjoy going outdoors, especially in summer but this is effecting how we use the green.”

The school council has also made posters to put around the green asking owners to clear up after their animals.

Micklegate ward councillor Dave Merrett said: “It’s very disappointing to hear, because a couple of years ago we specifically fenced off an area to provide a dog-free space for the children.

“I will follow this up with the parks and gardens people to see if the signage is appropriate and more importantly to appeal to local residents to keep their dogs off the green.”