Residents living near a green space in Sandbach are relieved after signs were put up urging dog owners to take more care.

Cheshire East Council has put up Public Spaces Protection order signs on Green Street field in the town centre.

One of the new signs. (Photo: Deborah Bowyer/Sandbach Nub News)

It means dog owners could be asked to put their animals on a lead and are being reminded it is an offence not to clean up after their animals.

Local residents had contacted councillors saying the field resembled "a battlefield from the Somme with numerous holes dug" and dogs were running round off leads.

The field was handed over to Cheshire East Council a while back by Morris Homes who built homes on the nearby old cricket ground.

(Photo: Deborah Bowyer/Sandbach Nub News)

First goal posts were put up so children could use it to play football but when these were removed, dog walkers started been using it to exercise their animals. 

Now councillors are hoping the new signage, spearheaded Councillor John Beddows, will mean local residents can enjoy the field and it will be used by everyone – not just dog walkers.

Councillor Mike Muldoon, who represents Town Ward on Cheshire East said: " The vast majority of dog owners are fantastic.

"However, just a very small minority lets the vast majority down and on rare occasions, give dog owners a bad name.

"Pets in general, are very rewarding and therapeutic to their owners, those owners representing all of our society.

(Photo: Deborah Bowyer/Sandbach Nub News)

"I just hope the signs erected are understood and complied with. This should make the area safer, more tranquil, not only for pet owners and children, but the surrounding neighbourhood."

Several councillors are working together to solve the issue, including Councillor John Beddows.

"The signs are good news for the residents, some of whom have complained. The field is not only being used by dog owners but also dog walking companies.

"It's the first step to resolving the problem and we thank Cheshire East Council for putting the signs up so quickly."