A CRACKDOWN on dog fouling on a footpath dubbed Lancashire's dirtiest has been hailed a success -- less than a month after it started.

The campaign was launched at Willows Park Lane, in Longridge, after 97 incidents of dog fouling in less than a week.

This week, the figure has been cut to just 27 and dog wardens have hailed the campaign a tentative success.

But they warned they would continue to go out undercover to catch the remaining dirty dog owners who are making lives a misery for others.

On-the-spot fines of £50 will be issued to anyone caught.

Ribble Valley Council environmental health officer Lesley Miller said: "This is certainly the worst spot in Longridge for dog fouling -- and quite possibly the whole of Ribble Valley.

"There is a definite improvement, but we are continuing to monitor and will not be taking off the pressure.

"We will also be checking nearby areas to ensure the problem has not simply moved elsewhere.

"We are committed to protecting and enhancing the Ribble Valley environment and are determined to crack the problem of dog fouling in public places."

Cleaning Willows Park Lane costs taxpayers £1,000 a year, and there has been a 30 per cent increase in complaints about dog fouling in Ribble Valley streets.

The Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 requires dog owners to pick up their pets' mess, with fines of £50 if they don't, and up to £1,000 if they are taken to court.

Other dog fouling hotspots in Ribble Valley include Chester Avenue, Farady Avenue, Standen Road and Woone Lane, all in Clitheroe.

In Whalley, The Arches is a hotspot, while residents also report play parks being used as dog toilets.

In Longridge, the Mardale play area is also affected, while Mellor and Wilpshire both suffer.

If you want to report dog fouling, contact the Ribble Valley Borough Council dog warden service on 01200 414464.