YOUNG rugby players have issued a stern message to dog owners who shamefully do not pick up after their pets.

The Warrington Guardian has featured a number of stories on the plight of coaches at Bank Quay Bulls rugby club, who are having to pick up dozens of excrements from Dallam Playing Fields pitches before games.

Players from the clubs’ youth teams were encouraged to design posters highlighting the issue, in association with Warrington Wolves, Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire Police.

These are to be displayed to warn dog owners against leaving their pet’s waste on the pitches – with the designers given the privilege of meeting Wire player Leon Hayes.

Cheshire Police said: “Players from young Bank Quay Bulls teams have been helping us deal with the issues of dog fouling on the pitches they play on at Dallam Playing Fields.

“The players had a poster design competition organised by the Warrington Wolves Foundation and Warrington Borough Council’s environmental crime team.

“The best four have been picked out to be displayed around the ground.

“The players were presented with a framed photo of the designs and got to see the posters in all their glory.

“They also got to meet one of their local heroes in former Bank Quay Bulls player and now Warrington Wolves player Leon Hayes

“Hopefully, this will help to spread the message that it is not ok to leave your dog’s poo on the fields that these kids and coaches have to clean before games.

“We know this is a problem for all clubs in all sports, so please help us to stop these coaches from having to deal with this issue.”