ALVECHURCH Parish councillors were due to debate whether to lift a ban on dogs using Hopwood playing fields and community centre at a meeting on Monday.

The ban was imposed in light of the foot and mouth crisis and included prohibiting the animals from the field and community centre.

The parish council has received £3,300 this financial year from five separate dog groups outside the parish, which regularly use the centre.

Councillors were to be asked if continued use of the facilities for dog training should be allowed or if any alternative could be offered.

Chairman Roger Hollingworth said: "Information from MAFF was changing almost daily regarding decisions being taken to slaughter animals within infected areas but restrictions were still in force on canal towpaths, public footpaths and bridleways.

"Part of the parish, including Hopwood, was an infected area.

"There had been no actual outbreak of foot and mouth disease but some livestock had been culled due to a dangerous contact.

"It was for this reason that use of playing fields by anyone and use of the community centre by dog clubs had been stopped."

But it has been suggested to the parish council that the centre would be more attractive to other users if dog groups did not use it.