Superstar Effort to Clean up Dog Fouling Hazard Pays Off
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A former BBC Superstars competitor and the new chairman of Wincanton Sports Ground has hailed a campaign to stop dogs fouling the area a huge success.
Stuart Matthews finished sixth in the 1983 final of the popular TV show and is now turning his sporting expertise to the future of the facility in Moor Lane. Mr Matthews joined forces with departing chairman David Norris and coaches from Wincanton Football Club to launch the campaign in November, warning of the dangers of dog faeces to children.
"Since we raised the awareness of the problems dog mess can cause, there has been a noticeable improvement in the amount left behind by dog walkers," he said. "I know the weather has been bad but people still walk their dogs and there has been a lot less mess around in the last couple of months and that is very encouraging. An article in the Western Gazette about the campaign certainly looks to have helped and hopefully with the help of dog owners this can continue into the spring."
Mr Matthews also revealed exciting future plans for the ground, including the awarding of a £1,000 Football Federation grant to help pay for new football coaches.
The committee has also ordered a Kurling set to encourage people to use the facility when the weather is bad. Kurling is a form of the original curling game, but adapted so that it can be played indoors on any smooth, flat surface such as a sports hall, rather than on ice.
Mr Matthews hopes the sport can attract new users to the sports ground.
"There are some exciting projects in the pipeline and we are trying to attract more visitors to come and use the fantastic facilities here. The new Kurling kit will be ideal for bowls clubs. If they have to cancel fixtures for bad weather they can take a game of Kurling indoors instead. The sport is a bit unusual but it can be played by anyone.
"It is great for young and old people but particularly the disabled. Not enough people with disabilities use the sports ground at the moment and we want that to change." He added: "This could be the perfect opportunity for that."
Other plans include the revival of a user group committee so clubs can have a say on how they use the sports ground.
A week-long festival of sport is also planned in June. Mr Matthews is hoping to use his connections in the sporting world to attract a household name to hand out forthcoming football awards.
He also hopes to put on live music at the venue and any bands wishing to get involved are urged to contact 01963 31815.
Article first published in the Western Gazette
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