The football pitches at Attleborough's Gaymers Meadow Recreation Ground will be fenced off following an incident where a seven-year-old was knocked over by a dog, the town council has decided.

Eastern Daily Press: Gaymers Meadow, Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYGaymers Meadow, Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Jeremy Burton, town mayor, said the boy was training on a football pitch at the ground when a dog ran onto the area and knocked him over.

The boy then had to be taken to a walk-in centre for a check-up.

At a town council meeting on June 5, councillors decided new fencing was needed to prevent further incidents from happening.

Mr Burton said: 'The message we want to get across is that residents' safety is our paramount concern, and we're thankful the injury wasn't more serious on this occasion.

'We reluctantly made the decision to separate the area because we can't take that risk of further incidents of dogs attacking children.'

Mr Burton said the town's football club had also reported dog mess was being left on the pitches as well as other parts of the meadow - which has been a problem at the ground for years.

A statement from the council said: 'The town councillors, many of whom are dog owners, appreciate that it is only the minority of dog owners who flout the current guidelines but felt in the interests of both safety and fairness these steps must be taken and they ask for residents' support and co-operation in this matter.'

At the meeting, councillors also decided to improve 'no parking' markings by the entrance to ensure unobstructed entry, if required, by emergency vehicles.