DOG owners who let their pets foul footpaths, parks and cemeteries in Pendle face up to £1,000 fines from Monday.

A team of 30 specially trained officers will be patrolling the borough's streets, working in shifts, and handing out £50 on-the-spot fines to anyone leaving dog mess behind.

Anyone who does not pay within 14 days will get a final notice and if they have not paid seven days later, will be taken to court and could get a £1,000 bill.

The campaign is being spearheaded by Pendle Borough Council's executive member for the environment, Coun John David.

The LibDem councillor said: "Dog muck is rightly a major concern of a large number of residents.

"It is a health and safety risk to children and adults alike. It is also unsightly. It substantially affects the quality of life and the enjoyment people get in many parts of Pendle."

The council collects more than 26 tons of dog waste every year from its 471 dog waste bins and offers free poop bags for dog owners. Coun David said the majority of dog owners did clear up after their pets but many people still have not got the message.

The inspection team will patrol parks, cemeteries, footpaths, roads and play areas throughout the early morning, daytime and evening. A hotline has been set up for people to report dog fouling and more dog bins will be provided if necessary. Fines will be issued under the Dog Fouling Act 1996.

Coun David: "The aim of our campaign is to reduce drastically the filthy nuisance of dog waste about which so many people talk to us on the doorstep.

"We are doing this by making everyone aware that there are council staff who, as part of their duties, are on the lookout for irresponsible dog owners. I hope that this will encourage the thoughtless or downright anti-social dog owners to clean up after their dogs and thus join the majority of owners who do. But if they don't, even after all the encouragement and education which the council is giving, then fines will be levied."

Dog owners can get poop bags in person from all council buildings including Colne Town Hall, Nelson Town Hall, Barnoldswick Tourist Information Centre, Earby District Office and Brierfield Town Hall.

To report dog fouling or for advice, contact the hotline on 01282 661743.