The fine of £80 plus a stinging £255 costs and victim surcharge imposed on a Chorley man for failing to clean up after his dog is spot on.

Dog fouling is a disgusting eyesore on our streets and it is the responsibility of the dog owner to clean up.

The majority of dog owners are responsible enough but unfortunately are let down by the small minority.

The danger from dog mess can be very serious, especially in park and playing field environments where the mess is not always obvious and children are playing.

Irresponsible dog owners should check up the word Toxocariasis, a worm infection that can cause blindness, and maybe, just maybe, they might adopt a more considerate stance.

Paul Nuttall, UK Independence Party MEP for Chorley.