A HEADTEACHER is concerned about 'highly unpleasant' dog poo outside his primary school.

Chris Hansen, headteacher of Somers Park School, in Malvern, and said he shares parents' concerns about the dog fouling.

Residents are also upset by the amount of mess being left by dog walkers in Somers Park Avenue.

Mr Hansen said: "We share the concerns of our parent community, and indeed of conscientious dog owners, about dog mess which has not been cleared up on the pavements around the school, agreeing that it is highly unpleasant."

Parents step in the dog mess every week, according to one mother.

"It's worse at this time of year, it's dark and people know they are less likely to get caught," she said.

"On the rare occasion you do see the guilty owner they use the excuse they didn't see it.

"It's often smeared along the road too, where some poor soul has already stepped in it.

"I am a dog owner myself but always clear up, there is just no excuse."

Jessica Hicklin, from Worcester, wrote on Facebook: "Our children attend Somers Park and only last week managed to push our youngest through some dog mess - just before the crossing - in her buggy.

"[It was] not an enjoyable task wiping it off the wheels afterwards! Very frustrating!"

Karen Hobson, who lives in Malvern Link, added: "It is a huge problem in Malvern.

"I am a Mum and a responsible dog walker. We regularly have to clean dog mess of off our shoes.

"There is a footpath at the bottom of our road and it is particularly bad - presumably because the irresponsible owners are less likely to be seen and caught!"

Locals who live on the street told the Gazette that they have dealt with the mess for years.

Alister McKerrell, who lives in Somers Park Avenue, walks for an hour every day and thinks the issue is getting worse.

"It's been really bad in the last month. It's very difficult to avoid it. I'd like it to stop," he said.

"I think the press should raise awareness. I don't see how someone could just walk away, it's disgusting."

Sharon Metcalf, who has lived in Somers Park Avenue for 10 years, said: "It comes and goes. It's annoying.

"The school are good, they send messages out saying if you have dogs clear the mess up."

Cllr David Watkins, who represents Malvern Link in the town council, said dog fouling affects the whole of Malvern.

"Sadly it is a minority of dog walkers who through their inconsideration to the vast majority are causing this offence," he said.

"Whether it is written notes left at property entrances by exasperated residents or the use of highlighters marking the offensive pile, the problem rarely goes away.

"The offending pet owners cause the majority of the problem either very early in the morning or after dark when the walkways are deserted.

"Yes, our authorities can fine the guilty if you can first catch them and then prove them negligent."

Parents at the school said fouling also occurs in Yates Hay Road, Michael Crescent and many other streets around Malvern.