FED-UP families have staged a ‘poo protest’ to urge irresponsible dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Mums say that disgusting dog dirt is spoiling children’s fun at Ashton Prom beach.

The campaigners put up a banner at the shore yesterday while youngsters painted pebbles in bright colours to remind pet lovers that they play there.

Becky Harwood, 32, who has three children, Violet, seven, Lilly, two, and five-month-old Oscar, said: “We are just sick of it.

“Violet even stepped in dog poo in her bare feet.

“The kids want to take their shoes and socks off to play in the sand but the dog poo is just everywhere.

“It’s even on the stairs coming down to the beach.

“It happens every year but I think it’s worse this summer.” The sandy stretch is opposite the small playpark and is a magnet for young children.

Mum-of-two Lisa Boonsanong, 36, of Ashburn Gardens, told the Tele: “The dog dirt is spoiling their enjoyment. I have no objection to dogs if the owners would just pick up the poo — poo bins are there.

“It’s a health hazard because kids are standing in it, and it stinks.” Becky, who lives with her partner Adam Mennim in Albert Road, added: “If the kids get it in their eye it’s a possibility they could lose their sight.

“We are holding the protest and got the kids painting stones to make the dog owners feel a bit guilty when they bring their dogs here.

“We are asking dog owners to be more responsible — there’s no excuse. If you’ve got a dog you’ve got to pick up its muck.” Another parent told the Tele she has complained to Inverclyde Council about the beach and other areas where dog dirt is a problem.

Alison Munro, who has three children, said: “Victoria Road, Kirn Drive and Moorfoot Road right up to the school are covered in it as well. It’s also bad at the school and I’ve complained to them too, and they have taken it up with the council.

“If the dog owners had to clean shoes and pram wheels that get covered in this stuff that would perhaps change their attitude.”