Locals have been lodging serious complaints on social media about dog fouling in one of Sheffield’s most-loved picturesque locations.

Residents of Crookes have sent complaints to Sheffield City Council over remarkable amounts of dog poo left unattended at Bolehill Recreation Ground.

The viewpoint has been described as ‘stunning’ and ‘scenic’ by commentors on Reddit and Facebook. People have been travelling to the location to watch the sunset for hundreds of years.

Social media commentors reported a ‘shocking situation’ and described dog walkers completely neglecting to clean up after their pets in the area.

Crookes resident Danny Lee-Kearsley said: “The pavements are despicable, I walk my son to Westways Primary School every morning, there’s often five or six [poos] on our way.

“It’s really starting to make me dislike dogs.”

Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, Minesh Parekh, said he hoped stronger action would be taken. The ward council has used some of its funds to put up signs asking people to pick up dog poo and be considerate dog owners.

Members of the Crookes Community Facebook page have suggested reporting the issue to Sheffield City Council.

The Council report that dog fouling damages the environment, kills wildlife and is a danger to children or others enjoying the parks and streets.

Guilty owners can receive £50 on the spot fines for not picking up after their dog, which can rise to £1,000 following prosecution. The council suggests neighbourhoods form community groups to tackle the issue.

However, many social media commentors feel this is not enough.

One user said photos need to be released of perpetrators to inform residents of offenders in their area.

Angela Hague, 60, who frequently walks her dog through Bolehill said: “If you’ve got a dog, pick its poo up. You’d pick it up in your garden so pick it up when you’re outside.

“When my grandchildren walk the dogs I make sure they pick it up as well.”

Councillor Parekh said: “A large part of the issue, and why it has gotten worse in recent years, is declining levels of responsible dog ownership.”

This echoed many social media user’s complaints, stating dog walkers were too focused on their phones to bother picking up any mess.

Councillor Parekh said: “Particularly since the pandemic and the large number of so-called “lockdown dogs“, we have seen less considerate dog owners and people not picking up their dog’s waste, which is really disappointing.

“I know in many other countries such as Australia, Ireland or the Netherlands, dog owners need a licence to have a dog and I think something like that, with accompanied classes or requirements on how to look after a dog and that it is a serious commitment, are probably needed.”

There are already signs in the area, requesting people pick up their litter, and the Council requests the public continue to report any incidents of dog fouling.