CLITHEROE residents have accused Ribble Valley Borough Council of failing to tackle dog-fouling and irresponsible owners.

They have proposed a radical rethink about the way the council, which currently employs two part-time dog wardens, combats the problem.

In April, the council, alongside Lancashire Police, launched after-dark patrols which can issue £50 fines to irresponsible owners.

Copperfield Close resident Sue Foster, 46, said: “Dog fouling sends out totally the wrong message with the food festival approaching and something radical needs to change.

“Our local dog warden is great when he is around but that’s rare and only having two part-time wardens is nowhere near enough.”

The council issued four fixed penalty notices for dog fouling in 2012 and has so far issued five in 2013, including one in the area of Copperfield Close.

Clitheroe councillor Sue Knox said: “Dog fouling is always among the top three complaints I get from residents. Once I had only to walk 100 yards from Copperfield Close and I found five deposits within a few feet of a dog bin.

“The majority of dog owners are responsible but it only takes one or two irresponsible owners to cause a problem.

“I really think the council needs to consider best practice from elsewhere such as East Devon where hotspots are spray painted ‘Pick It Up’.

Paul Slater, 48, of Mayfield Avenue, who has two Springer Spaniels, said: “I get really angry when I see other dog owners refusing to pick up. Dog bags are ridiculously cheap, especially when compared to a fine.”

A council spokesman said: “The majority of dog owners behave responsibly, but a minority refuse to do so and are inconsiderate to the community.

“It is vital that residents report offenders so that we can take the necessary action to tackle this problem.”