DOG wardens will be out and about in Ribble Valley over the coming weeks in a Christmas blitz on dog-fouling.

Ribble Valley Borough Council officers will be conducting CCTV surveillance in dog-fouling hotspots, including early in the morning and late at night.

Dog enforcement officer Adele Scott said: "As the days get shorter and colder, dog owners are being irresponsible and not cleaning up after their pets on public footpaths and open spaces.

"We are asking local residents to monitor their areas and report suspected offenders for investigation by our officers. Parents are also asked to supervise their children to ensure they are cleaning up when exercising the family dog."

Dog fouling is consistently identified as one of the main concerns of local residents. There has been a thirty per cent increase in complaints recently and Ribble Valley Council is committed to taking action.

The Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 requires dog owners to pick up their pet's mess, with fines of £50 if they don't and up to £1,000 if they are taken to court. "It is the duty of dog owners to clean up after their pets and there are no excuses for leaving dog mess in public places," Adele added.