A pack of dogs encroached on a tennis court leaving a woman to play a game in the poo-covered court.

Sian Smith, who lives near Grovelands Recreation Ground in West Molesey, arrived to play a match and saw dogs running freely on the courts as their owners watched on.

She said: "This park has enough open space for dog walkers. I was equally disappointed that the owners of the dogs expressed annoyance that I wanted to play tennis in a tennis court, acting as though I was an inconvenience."

When she tried to open the gate of the court, an owner called out for her not to let the dogs out into the green which surrounds the sports area.

But after finding dog poo in the court she said she became worried about children coming into contact with it, and decided to report the canines on August 7.

Surrey Comet:

The courts in the middle of the park

Elmbridge Council launched a campaign calling on people to report dog owners who do not clear up after their pets. Owners can now be fined £50.

A council spokesman said: "Under the dog control orders that were adopted in 2011 it is an offence to permit a dog to enter or to remain in any fence play or sports areas."

He said patrols would be increased in this area following the complaint.

Councillor Mary Sheldon, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: "We know that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and clear up after their dog, but some do not keep a close watch on their dogs and allow them to foul in areas that are totally unacceptable.”