PLANS are in the pipeline to establish a dog walking area in the Vale of Clwyd.

In what is thought likely to be a first in Denbighshire, Denbigh Town Council is working on a dog walking area project at the town's Central Park.

It comes just a few weeks after complaints were raised in the area, with dog mess being left on a Denbigh Town Juniors FC pitch.

With a view of establishing a dog walking area, Denbigh Town Council has liaised with officers at Denbighshire County Council, local county councillors and the football club on this project, with the council saying it "will be beneficial to local dog walkers".

The town council is inviting feedback and thoughts on the proposal before March 1.

READ MORE: Calls made to tackle dog fouling on Denbigh football pitch

A town council spokeswoman said: "This is the first dog walking area in Denbighshire and much consideration has been given to the location.

"Currently there are issues with dog walkers leaving their dogs loose on the football field, causing issues with dog fouling on the designated training ground.

"With the new dog walking area this will offer a safe environment for dogs to run off a lead with the owners being able to dispose of any foul in bins provided."

Denbighshire county councillor Mark Young said: "This was first suggested many, many years ago after requests from lots of dog owners locally.

"The pandemic has obviously affected timelines but now it’s being looked at, I'd encourage anyone interested to feedback on the proposals to the town council before March 1.

"Also, I am more than happy to meet up with any interested parties at the proposed location if requested."

A Denbigh Town Juniors FC representative added: "We remain concerned about the practicality in this area and whether, in reality, this area will be used as intended.

"The primary use of the field is for recreational purposes.

"It's for children and families to play safely.

"Anything that compromises the amount of space on the field or the health and safety of those using it should be addressed more robustly by the council.

"Prohibiting dogs from the field altogether is the obvious option.

"Dogs can be walked anywhere. There is only one recreational field to play on.

"The same concerns were raised over three years ago.

"We have a meeting with a council member coming up and hope to discuss the detail of this in its entirety."