DOG walkers are being urged to pick up after their pets after a spate of fouling has plagued a village.

Several streets in Worsthorne have become littered with dog dirt including Ormerod Street, Water Street, Hurstwood Lane, Extwistle Road and Brownside Road.

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Residents have complained about the dog mess left on pavements and open grassy areas and Nigel Robinson, from the village, said it was an ‘eyesore.’

He said: “Quite frankly it is appalling and the people who allow their dogs to do this.

“In effect with a dog comes responsibility and that not only means housing, feeding and watering the dog it also means when you are out you are responsible for picking up its mess.

“Not only is it an eyesore more importantly it is a health hazard particularly to children.”

Another resident, John Pickup, said he’s seen dog walkers leave muck on the floor by a bus stop on Brownside Road.

The Fouling of Land by Dogs Order 2010 states it is illegal to not clear up after your dog if it fouls on any designated land, which is open to the air and to which the public has access.

Dog owners could face a fixed penalty notice of £75 reduced to £50, if paid within 10 days, or, prosecution in the magistrates court which could incur a fine of up to £1,000.

Cllr Cosima Towneley, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said the dog mess is getting out of hand.

She said: “It really is awful to walk around and look down to see dozens of mounds of dog dirt all over the place.

“It’s always on certain roads near the square because everyone takes their dogs on the nice walks, so you’ll always find it near the same places.

“I wouldn’t say there’s a problem with the lack of bins, yes you cannot have a bin on every corner but they are dotted about the village.

“It’s like any other type of litter, if you drop it you should pick it up, and bring bags because you know your dog could need them.

“I spoke to a lady with a pram the other day about the problem, she said she has to weave her pram around all the mess.

“If everyone could just pick up their dogs mess then that would solve the problem.”

Anyone who witnesses a dog owner failing to clean up after their pet can report it on Burnley Council’s website, a spokesman said.