FLY-tippers, litter-bugs and irresponsible dog owners are being targeted by a new team of enforcement officers.

The four-strong team of environmental crime staff will work with Pendle’s two dog welfare officers to crack down on people who blemish the borough’s streets, beauty spots, parks and green spaces.

They have the power to issue on-the-spot fines to anyone caught committing what the council refers to as ‘enviro-crimes’.

The team has been set up by Pendle Council in response to residents’ concerns.

Coun James Starkie, who represents Pendle operational services team, said: “Residents told us they wanted better enforcement and more fixed penalty fines for people who make Pendle look a mess.

“In Pendle we have a good track record of taking action against people who behave irresponsibly and selfishly by dropping litter.

“But previously, enforcement has been just a part of the duties of some council staff.

“Now that the dedicated enforcement team is in post, there will be four more pairs of eyes out and about in Pendle to witness people committing these ‘enviro-crimes’.

"And these staff have the power to issue fixed penalty notices.”

Environmental crime officers David Alexander, Denis Joyce, Pervez Akhtar and Andrew Peart, all of whom have backgrounds in police and council enforcement, will work alongside dog welfare officers Kat Bullas and Laura Robinson.

They will make regular patrols around Pendle’s parks and public land, with powers to issue fixed penalty notices or fines.

Anyone who drops litter, does not clean up after their dog, daubs graffiti or dumps rubbish risks being fined £75.

If people do not pay up within the first 14 days, they could end up in court and face a much bigger fine.