A SKIPTON children's park was closed for four days after it was contaminated by dog faeces.

Broughton Road children's play area was padlocked on Monday after the filth was found plastered on play equipment.

Skipton Town Council staff discovered dog dirt smeared on swings and lodged inside the pirate ship.

The play area was re-opened on Friday morning with a warning notice that it would be closed again "in the interest of public health" if there was any further dog fouling.

Skipton Town Council has appealed to nearby residents to contact them immediately they see a dog or dogs in the play area which is secured by a wire fence.

Dave Parker, town council, chief officer, said: "The council is really sorry that local children have been deprived of this facility but we are sure that parents will understand that the health and safety of their children has to be our first priority.

“The level of dog fouling at the Broughton Road Play Area has now become so bad that it presents a hazard both to the children who play there and the Council staff who inspect and maintain the equipment.

“Unfortunately, even after the mess has been cleaned up, the areas have to be disinfected to prevent the possibility of infections, some of which can be particularly unpleasant and dangerous. It can take several days to be certain any potential problems have been dealt with.

“Needless to say, the council would ask all residents to keep an eye out for irresponsible dog owners and to inform us of any problems.

"The vast majority of owners are responsible, but those who aren’t are depriving the community of a well-used facility and putting children at potentially serious risk.”

The closure sparked outrage on Skipton social media, angry Broughton Road residents posting comments on Skipton community notice board.

Sara Brook comments: "That's really horrid. At least the council is being proactive and dealing with it," and Christina Armitage says "absolutely disgusting - it's folk like that that spoil it for the rest of us."

Vicki Procter said she rang the council who told her it would remain closed for a few days. "It's the kids summer holiday and this is a pure shame."

Susan Syms, who has been a long tern fund raiser for the park, said - "It makes us mad that it keeps happening and the children aren't able to use it."