DOG fouling in the Sudell area of Darwen is an ‘epidemic’, according to the ward councillor.

Coun Roy Davies said dog owners were letting their pets defecate in Olive Lane playground and on pavements in front of houses where the back alleys have been gated off, and not cleaning the mess up.

“There’s kids knocking about all the time in these places”, he said.

“It’s frightening that someone might end up with a bad disease, when all that needs to happen is for dog owners to carry a bag around with them.

“They can even go to Sudellside Community Centre and get them for free.”

Coun Davies is also calling on residents to stop fly-tipping in back alleys and leaving rubbish out in yards.

He said: “Do we want to live in a quagmire? I want to live in a nice, clean area, and I’m determined to get on top of it.”