DOG walkers say 'irresponsible' dog owners deserve to pay a fine of £100 if they are caught in a public place without a poo bag.

Council bosses want to bring in new legislation in Blackburn and Darwen to clean the streets and reduce the number of complaints they receive about dog mess.

If the new legislation is approved dogs will be banned from play areas and insist dogs are kept on a lead in cemeteries.

Anyone caught breaching the order will face a fixed penalty notice of £100.

Dog owners in Blackburn town centre say that 'irresponsible' dog owners should be punished for not picking carrying a dog bag

Chris Hamill, 37, who lives on Snowden Avenue and has owned his Johnson American bulldog since Christmas, said: "I think it's absolutely right that dog walkers carry dog bags around with them all the time, especially in the town.

"I hardly ever bring my dog in the town centre.

"I have seen irresponsible dog owners in places like Witton Park and Corporation Park picking up their dogs mess and then whizzing it through the bushes.

"I'm so sick of it.

"Children walking through the park shouldn't have to deal with this."

Dog owner Ian Braddock, who lives in Queen Park, said: "I completely agree with the council on this.

"I believe if you do not have a bag you deserve a fine.

"I don't think the £100 fine is too much. I think it's completely fair."