DOG group representatives are outraged by their ban from Hopwood Community Centre and playing field, despite other organisations now being allowed to use them.

The ban was imposed by Alvechurch Parish Council in light of the foot and mouth crisis and votes were tied at a recent meeting as to whether to lift the ban to allow dog groups to use the facilities.

Five groups from outside the parish regularly use the centre and members will discuss the matter further at a Hopwood Community Centre and playing fields committee meeting on Tuesday, May 1, from 7.30pm.

Dog group member Veronica Mortimer said: "We respect the parish council's enforced ban because of the foot and mouth outbreak but find it increasingly unfair that other groups including the football clubs can restart using the hall and playing fields while not subject to our limitations.

"Supervised dog training doesn't pose any greater risk of infection to the local livestock than the footballers, who travel to and from playing fields to play their matches."

Mrs Mortimer also said dog groups had used the centre for at least eight years and had loyally supported it throughout its 'leanest and darkest times'.

"Our only crimes seem to be that admittedly we are from outside the 'local' area, but only just, and we are dog groups, which seems to be the major crime.

"We do the area a much-needed social service, for example by teaching responsible dog ownership, care, training and feeding," she added.

Parish council clerk Gill Lungley said: "The restrictions have been lifted for pedestrians but animals are still barred from the Wiggin Memorial Playing Field and those at Rowney Green and Hopwood.

"Hopwood Community Centre is now open to the public and there are disinfectant mats at the bottom of the drive as a precautionary measure against foot and mouth disease, although animals are still restricted because of the outbreak.

"There are restrictions in force throughout the county and we are merely complying with them by taking responsibility for Hopwood and the surrounding areas."