A POPULAR nature reserve is becoming a 'no-go area' for wildlife lovers because of irresponsible dog walkers.

Foxhill Bank, in Oswaldtwistle, has such a serious problem with dog fouling that volunteers are shunning working there because of concerns for their health.

That is according to bosses from The Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Hyndburn Council who have pledged to clamp down on the problem.

Measures to tackle the issue will see patrols increased on the nature reserve and the handing out of dog fouling bags to pet owners.

Signs asking dog owners to pick up their mess and warning of fixed penalty notices if they don't do this are among other measures.

The Wildlife Trust’s East Lancashire reserves officer Kim Coverdale said the problem was 'serious' and is 'discouraging' people from the visiting the nature reserve.

She said: “It is also worrying for our volunteers and officers who have real health concerns when they are working in areas where there is a lot of dog faeces on the ground."

Hyndburn Council's senior environmental initiatives officer Anne Hourican said: “A really concerted effort should put enough pressure on the irresponsible dog walkers and there are some great positive measures as well.

"If people want to continue walking their dogs in the reserve, then they mustn’t spoil it.”

Coloured spray will also be used on areas of the nature reserve where dog dirt has been left to help visitors, especially children and schools, to spot and avoid it.

Teatime patrols will also be carried when details of Dogs Trust workshops will be handed out, which aim to encourage better behaviour in owners and their dogs in the area.

The Wildlife Trust's campaigns officer Alan Wright added: "The selfish owners are creating problems that affect other people and are creating no-go areas where lots of people should be able to enjoy themselves without worrying about coming into contact with dog dirt.”