RESIDENTS in Stacksteads who want to keep their area dog dirt free are being advised to name and shame offenders.

Dog Warden David East was called in after St Joseph's Football Club had to suspend play in their match three times because the recreation ground was covered with dog dirt.

Mr East said: "Unfortunately there is a problem, not just there but wherever there is a patch of grass because people will use it to exercise their dogs and think they can use it as a toilet.

"I understand that people have to exercise their dogs, but it is not too difficult to clean up after your dog."

Following the complaint of problems in the area of Stacksteads Recreational Ground Mr East has placed large high profile posters in the area urging people to name and shame offenders.

The A3 posters have a green background and advertise Scoop the Poop. Other posters have cartoons on and are encouraging people to name and shame by contacting Mr East on 01706 244552 if they see people not cleaning up after their dog and they can identify the offender.

He said the area did have two dog dirt collection bins and although one had been set on fire and has yet to be replaced, the other was available for use.

Mr East is also hoping to clamp down on people who use the nearby Bacup Cemetery for exercising their dog.

he said: "There is a public right of way through the cemetery and I have no problem with people who are walking their animals on the right of way or who are visiting the cemetery with their pets to pay their respects.

"What I do object to is people who drive up in their cars and use the area purely to exercise their dogs. I was brought up with the belief that places like cemeteries are sacred ground and people should not be exercising their dogs there."

Mr East said if people had problems with areas of Rossendale where dig dirt was not being cleaned up and they wanted a bin installed they should contact their ward councillor.