WHILE I totally agree with KE Lewis (Letters, April 5) that far too many people fail to clear up their dog mess on the playing fields (and elsewhere), I must assure him that we who do are quite as indignant about it as he is. These people will get us all banned unless they mend their ways.

However, I can't agree that dogs on Cookley playing fields are likely to carry foot and mouth disease to farm animals.

There are no animals near the playing fields, and I am told by a MAFF vet that the present virus is carried by contact, not on the air.

In any case I respectfully suggest that it is more likely to be spread by visiting sports teams than by dogs who have, most probably, not been more than a few hundred yards from their homes.

BARBARA JENNINGS

Kinver Lane, Caunsall