Foget dog-mess, what about the horse-droppings?

Now a new problem has reared its ugly head – or rather, ugly turd – HORSE mess!

It's become a problem in Bestwood Country Park. And Bestwood Parish Council has revealed that it wants to clamp down on horse-riders, as well as dog-owners, who allow their animals to foul in the park.

Dog-fouling has been reported to the council as a major problem in the Mill Lakes area of Bestwood Country Park – despite presence of two bins.

But councillors said horse mess on the footpaths in the park was also provoking complaints.

Coun Frank Beckwith said some horse-riders are not sticking to their designated bridleways and are using the footpaths instead.

Parish council chairman, Coun Denis Beeston, said he had contacted Gedling Borough Council's dog warden about the fouling at Mill Lakes but was told he would have to speak to Ashfield District Council instead because the area falls within its jurisdiction.

"When the dog wardens come round, I shall ask them whether we should be treating horse muck as well as dog muck," Coun Beeston said.

He added that the council had done its job by providing bins in the village but that was all it could do. It was left to the public to use them.

The council also decided that signs should be put up in and near the park, banning horses from riding on the footpaths.