A FAMILY has called for a Taunton park to be made a dog-free zone after a Christmas Day walk turned into faeces-ridden

nightmare.

After enjoying Christmas lunch, police officer Philip Aspinall, of Taunton, took his family to Hamilton Park so his three-year-old twins

could try out their new electric trikes.

As the children got used to the trikes they wandered off the paths and ventured onto the grass.

"They were laughing and screaming with utter delight, but this was not to be for us adults supervising their adventures.

"The park is absolutely covered in dog's mess and everywhere you looked there were piles of filth.

"The children were oblivious as their trikes became plastered in the stinking mess and we walked behind them to encourage their

steering techniques, we also became victims of the vile excreta.

"I can honestly say I have never witnessed such a disgusting turn of events," said Philip.

The family then had to go home, hose down the trikes and clean up the mess.

The incident has left them feeling angry and fearful for health and safety of other people who use the park.

The twins' grandmother, Lorraine Aspinall, who gave them the trikes for Christmas said: "The park is in an appalling state. It's a shame

the enjoyment of the public is spoiled by a few selfish and lazy dog owners.

"I am full of admiration for the cleanliness of such places as Vivary Park, and can only wish that perhaps we can be afforded a safe haven

for our children at this end of town."

Mr Aspinall said dog owners should be punished for letting their pets foul the park.

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

play in.

"The park is used on a weekly basis for young and old to play football -- I'm sure they will support me when I say 'make the park a dog-

free zone'."

No-one from Taunton Deane Council, which is responsible for parks, was available for comment as the County Gazette went to press.