ANOTHER festive season is over with only the joyous memories to remind us of what was yet another lovely and memorable yuletide.

Or so we thought. It transpired to be memorable, but definitely not joyous.

Having finished our Christmas lunch the whole family decided to embark on an afternoon stroll round Hamilton Park in Taunton, not just to relieve the over-indulgence but to allow our three-year-old twins the opportunity to ride their new electric trikes from Santa.

It was not long before they wandered off the paths and on to the grass, laughing and screaming with delight, but I can honestly say I have never witnessed such a disgusting turn of events.

The park was covered in dogs' mess. Everywhere you looked there were piles of it.

The children were oblivious as their trikes became plastered in the stinking mess, and as we walked behind them to encourage their steering techniques we also became victims of the vile excreta.

Out of earshot of the children I vented my anger at the selfish, small-minded individuals who do not pick up their dogs' mess.

The dogs themselves cannot be blamed for doing what they do naturally, but I feel their owners should not only be blamed but punished with a hefty fine, as stated on the 'dog bins' strategically placed round the park.

There is not only the sight and smell of the mess but, more importantly, the serious health implications for young children.

Let's hope for the council's sake there are no children who fall ill as a result of a failure to provide a safe environment for them to play in.

Hamilton Park is used on a weekly basis for young and old to play league football, and I'm sure they will support me when I say make the park a dog-free zone.

I thank not only the dog owners of Hamilton Park for spoiling my children's Christmas but also the council for obviously not enforcing the local by-laws.

PHILIP ASPINALL Taunton.