DOG fouling at Ammanford AFC’s Rice Road pitch has lessened since the issue was highlighted by the Guardian, Betws community councillor June Gunter has revealed.

Community clerk Cerith Griffiths said that summons could not be issued in respect of dog fouling on private land.

“They will have to put signs up,” he added.

Cllr Gunter replied that the football club’s signs appeared to have been torn down. “Dog fouling is just not acceptable as youngsters are using that facility,” she told colleagues.

“Having said that, I haven’t seen any dogs at Rice Road lately – I think last month’s South Wales Guardian report might have had an effect.”

Meanwhile, Carmarthenshire County Council chiefs have revealed that the number of dogfouling fines issued in the county has increased fivefold compared to the same period last year.

A total of 103 fixed penalty notices were handed out by environmental enforcement officers between April and November compared to just 18 the previous year.

The number of fines for littering and other similar offences has also seen a big rise during this period – quadrupling from 56 to 203.

They say the increase is down to the new council administration following May’s elections which pledged to get tough on dog fouling and litter.

Cllr Jim Jones has been appointed as the new executive board member for environmental and public protection.

The role is largely focused on enforcement from dog fouling and litter to trading standards and planning issues.

Cllr Jones said: “We are determined to clean up the county and will not hesitate to fine people who litter our streets or allowtheir dogs to foul and don’t clean up.

“Dog fouling in particular is one of the most common causes of complaint we get, so we are responding to public concerns.

“We don’t want to fine people, but if they fail to take notice of our warnings then we have no choice.”