VILLAGERS are being asked to become pooper snoopers in a bid to stop dogs fouling the village's open spaces.

Simonstone Parish Council is calling on all householders to report neighbours who walk away after their dogs have fouled local land.

A newsletter says Ribble Valley Council has designated six areas for special protection under the new Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act which allows fines of up to £1,000 for owners who don't pooper-scoop up after their pets.

It says the councils want to achieve a change of attitude amongst the small number of dog owners who are believed to be causing a problem.

And they say that because they can not continually patrol the area, residents should play a policing role.

Householders are encouraged to take an interest in people accompanied by dogs.

"Please observe and report non-compliance," says the newsletter.

And where a breach of the rules is observed, villagers should: "Possibly speak to the person concerned, record car registration numbers, note location and time of day, report information to the dog warden."

The appeal says the problem of dog fouling is the cause of one of the highest number of complaints made to the councils. "Help us to help you achieve an improvement in your area," it adds.

Designated areas of Simonstone under the new orders are:

Open space off Fountains Avenue and Kirkstall Avenue; open space off Westminster Close and Furness Avenue; land adjacent to 9 Furness Avenue; land at the junction of School Lane and Whalley Road; footpath between 19 and Carleton Avenue; open space off Harewood Avenue.

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