WALLINGFORD Town Council has reduced access to the Castle Gardens because dog walkers are letting their pets foul the beauty spot.

The bridge between Castle Meadows and the gardens has been padlocked to stop people taking their animals in.

Town clerk Andrew Rogers said: “People are continuing to bring dogs through into the gardens despite the signs telling them not to.

“Highly irresponsible dog owners are allowing their dogs to foul where they like. It is dangerous for children and most unpleasant for everybody else.

“It really is annoying and very upsetting. I hope that by closing this gate, the message will get through to irresponsible dog owners.”

Town councillor Betty Atkins said she had seen four different dog owners ignore the signs and bring their pets into Castle Gardens in the space of one hour.