Readers have passionately waded into the debate about dog fouling in Ipswich after new figures revealed a 98% increase in complaints since 2010.

The Ipswich Star launched a campaign last week encouraging readers to report dog owners who failed to pick up after their pets on parks and footpaths.

Commenting on our website, Paul said the Millennium Field in Kesgrave was “covered” in dog mess.

He added: “To make it worse, there are kid’s football pitches marked out and in regular use on this field. I know the coaches are regularly clearing up 6-7 poos before each match. Totally unacceptable.”

Regular commenter, Poppys Dad said: “There is loads of dog mess on Rushmere Common and as far as I know NOBODY has ever been fined.

“It’s about time. A few fines would make a dramatic difference and if I see people with the dog I pull them up on it.”

Deeber said there should be a ban on dogs in Christchurch Park because there was “mess everywhere” and owners often let their dogs off the lead without control.

Another frequent commenter, Martlesham Resident said in a lot of cases, dog bins were overflowing when going to dispose of mess, adding: “Which is also unacceptable.”

Reacting on our Facebook page, Bradley Lloyd said he had noticed an increase in dog fouling in the town, adding: “We have all seen the signs saying no fouling maximum penalty but how many of us actually know anyone who has been fined!? I don’t know anyone? It’s time to start enforcing such laws.”

According to the statistics reported by the Star last week, a total of 516 reports of fouling were received to Ipswich Borough Council over the past five years, but only five fixed penalty notices were handed out. The number of complaints to the borough’s Cleaner Ipswich Hotline increased from two in 2010, to 147 last year. To report an incident visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/dogfouling