A CHARITY is calling on people to pick up dog waste and think of the effect it can have on those with visual impairments.

Accrington and District Blind Society has issued the plea after instances of people who are partially sighted stepping in the waste.

It is hoping to get people to think about the impact of leaving the waste and encourage them to pick it up.

A charity spokesman said: “Think about it, if you’ve got a sight loss you’re more likely to step in it.

"You perhaps are less likely to know that you’ve got it on your shoe and the chances of you getting home and walking it around your house are so much greater.”

The calls come after Hyndburn Council launched a new scheme to reward people who help catch dog owners who don’t clear up their pets’ mess.

In February a £50 reward was added for people who report someone not cleaning up the waste if it leads to a successful prosecution or a fixed penalty notice.

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

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