DISGRUNTLED locals are at their wits’ end after unwelcome messes on their beloved bowling green.

Members of the Old Town Bowling Club behind the Miners Rest Pub, Palm Street, have expressed their frustration at repeated incidents of dog mess on their bowling green - spoiling their leisure time.

Members of the club, who are mostly pensioners, go to the green hoping for a relaxing morning with gentle exercise.

The bowlers’ experiences have been somewhat soured since dogs have started using their green as a toilet.

Christine White, one of the members, told The Chronicle that the problem first arose last year, at the start of the season.

The group have reluctantly resolved to picking up the dog mess themselves - after reaching a brick wall when they have sought help.

The group have contacted the Council and even personally installed a sign in hopes to deter the messes.

Since then, the club are no closer to solving the issue.

Christine said: “It’s a shame because all of the pensioners who we are trying to keep fit and healthy can’t have a game because of the mess.

“We’ve got signs up that say no dog fouling and no children playing on the green.

“We’ve come up this morning and there’s dog mess all over and tennis balls.

“The green is used every day.

“Seven of us came up this morning, geared up with trackie tops, scarves and gilets, all ready for a game.

“You just don’t think you’re coming up for a game of bowling and end up shovelling dog mess.”