A £50 reward is being offered by Hyndburn Council for people who help catch dog owners who fail up to clear their pets’ mess.

It is the latest move by borough bosses to tackle the blight of dog fouling.

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In recent years, 100 extra dog bins have been placed around the area, bringing the total to 300, with another 54 in parks.

The council also offers free bags for owners to clear up their dog waste, available from its Scaitcliffe House office reception with a maximum of two packs per person.

Now it is offering the rewards to eagle-eyed residents as it seeks to step up its ‘Poo Dunnit?’ campaign.

Conservative group leader Cllr Tony Dobson has backed the ‘sensible move’.

A council spokeswoman said: “If residents can help the council prove that a person is failing to clean up after their dog has fouled then they could be entitled to a £50 reward if the information provided leads to either a successful prosecution, or the issuing of a fixed penalty notice.”

Cllr Paul Cox, cabinet member for environmental issues, said: “Dog fouling is a national issue and, although numbers of reported incidents have actually dropped in Hyndburn, our dedicated dog warden and enforcement team continue to work hard every day to tackle the issue.

“They proactively target and monitor known problem areas and issue fixed penalty notices to those irresponsible few who allow their dogs to foul.

“Local people help too by reporting dog fouling to us via our ‘Poodunnit’ website, or by phone.

“We can, and do, take people to court where they face a potentially hefty fine and a criminal record and we will continue to work hard to tackle dog fouling in the borough.”

Cllr Dobson said: “I would hope that everybody would want to take this sort of action to look after their community without the need for this sort of incentive.

“Dog fouling blights many parts of Hyndburn.

“In the current situation is seems sensible to offer this kind of incentive and give residents a reminder of what needs to be done to deal with this problem.”

Cllr Cox said: “This range of measures has all helped to tackle dog fouling in Hyndburn.”

For more call 01254 388111 or visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/poodunnit.