in clean-up

CIVIC leaders claim a drive to rid Pendle streets of dog muck is working.

A tough clampdown has seen pet owners who don't clean up after their dog hit with £50 fines, alongside the amount of mess collected doubling.

Since November, 11 people in Pendle have received fixed penalties from enforcement officers.

And the council used to collect 28 tonnes of dog mess from dog bins each year but that figure has now risen to 57 tonnes.

Ridding the borough of dog mess is one of Pendle Council's key priorities and the success comes in time for National Poop Scoop week.

The national awareness week, which runs from Monday to Sunday, is organised by the Dogs Trust to highlight the problems caused by dog fouling and to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Coun John David, Executive Member for the Environment, said: "Keeping our streets and neighbourhoods cleaner and free of dog mess is one of this Council's priorities, as we know it's something that really matters to local people.

"Earlier this year, the Council announced a clampdown on irresponsible dog owners who don't clear up after their pets, issuing fixed penalty notices of £50.

"Since then the amount of dog muck being collected in dog bins across the Borough has doubled, which shows us that the majority of dog owners have listened and are behaving responsibly by scooping up their dogs' mess.

"We are not out to fine people; we are merely determined to clean up our parks and streets."

Offenders have 14 days to pay the £50 fine, otherwise they receive a final warning. If they don't pay within a further 7 days, they face court proceedings where fines rocket to up to £1,000.

The money from the fines is used to run the dog fouling enforcement service.

Pendle Council has trained 28 employees to provide the enforcement service, patrolling roads, pavements, footpaths, parks and cemeteries in shifts to cover early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Coun David added: "During National Poop Scoop Week, the Council is saying well done and thank you to everyone who uses a poop scoop, or an old plastic bag, to tidy up after their dog."

Dog owners can get free poop bags in person from Council buildings.

A telephone hot line for people who want to report incidents of dog fouling or for general advice has been set up on 01282 661743.