VILLAGERS fed-up with litter at a picturesque area of parkland have issued a plea to dogwalkers – “don’t be a tosser”.

For the third year, a group of community-minded families in Welwyn banded together for a spring clean at Singler’s Marsh.

Their concerted efforts produced 10 large black bin bags of waste, including more than 60 bottles and cans, clothing, 12 golf balls, a Wedgewood plate and around 75 filled and tossed dog poo bags.

One of the litter pickers said: “It’s a real disappointment that dog owners can have their bags with them, pick up after their dogs and then not be bothered to carry them to the red council bins.

“Throwing them into the bushes is selfish, unlawful and a danger to animals and people.

“Equally disgusting is the amount of unbagged dog faeces left for the public to step into.

“As a public area where children play and walk, it is a real health hazard to have it like this, when one thinks about the possible consequences of treading waste into our schools and homes.”

The woman said everyone should do their bit for the enviroment by not littering and picking up after themselves.

She added: “Our message is this: please be a considerate citizen – it makes a real difference to our environment and stop tossing rubbish and dog bags – don’t be a tosser!”

The next clean-up of the Singler’s Marsh area is pencilled in for 10am on Sunday, March 6.

If you are interested in taking part or joining The Friends of Singler’s Marsh, contact Don Street on 01438 717237, or Karen Springthorpe on 01438 715740.