Coaches for Tranent Colts 2011s team where left disgusted on Sunday as they had to pick up ten dog poos from the training fields on Blawearie Road next to Ross High Rugby Club ahead of their game.

The youngsters were due to play Leith Athletic on Saturday morning at the fields when the coaches were forced to pick up the waste before the game.

A spokesperson for the club said: "Having to pick up dog poo before every training session or match is not new, but last weekend was particularly bad.

“We have enough to do without this, but it’s essential for the health and safety of the kids, coaches and spectators.”

Tranent Colts have worked with Ross High Rugby Club (RHRFC) to fund extra bins in the area but feel that these have not been used properly.

The spokesperson continued: “We acknowledge there are a lot of responsible owners out there but it’s time to stop dogs from being allowed in the Ross High field. It’s part of the school property and first and foremost a sporting facility.

“The additional poo bins we installed at the expense of our club and RHRFC have sadly not improved the situation and there are plenty other places where dogs can be exercised.”

The fields are used for training and games by some of Ross High Rugby Club's youth teams as well as by pupils at Ross High School.

A spokesperson for Ross High Rugby Club said: “It’s been an ongoing issue teams have had for years, before every training session and match we ‘sweep’ the pitch to lift and remove dog mess to allow our teams to play without the fear of being exposed to the diseases dog mess can cause.”

Mike Falconer, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, said this is an ongoing issue in the community and one the community council have looked into.

He said: “This is a perennial problem that has impacted Tranent and other places for a long time.

“Parks and spaces all over Tranent have experienced problems with dog waste and it’s something we have discussed many times at community council meetings.

“Despite doing campaigns in the past to raise awareness it seems to still be an issue.

“Unfortunately, the problem remains and all we can do is to keep encouraging people to use the bins provided and keep plugging away at the issue.”

A council spokesperson said: “Failing to pick up after your dog has fouled in a public place is an offence with possible fine of up to £500.

"There are also associated health hazards and it is extremely irresponsible not to pick up in busy open public areas such as children’s playgrounds and sports pitches.

"Unfortunately, at this time of year in particular, people use the cover of darkness to hide their failure to clean up.

"Dogs and their owners though do tend to follow set times for walks and we would ask people to report any sightings of dog fouling to the council online or Tel 01875 824305 and as a result our Community Wardens may be able to identify possible offenders.”