PEOPLE have been warned to expect on-the-spot fines as part of a crackdown on dogs fouling in public.

Ribble Valley dog wardens have started issuing the fines to residents and are also threatening to name and shame repeat offenders if they continue to flout the rules.

So far they have issued 26 £50 fixed penalty notices for littering and dog-fouling over recent months.

Dog enforcement officer Adele Scott said: "Dog fouling is consistently identified as one of the main concerns of local residents.

"There has been a 30 per cent increase in complaints recently and Ribble Valley Council is committed to taking action.

"It is the duty of dog owners to clean up after their pets and there are no excuses for leaving dog mess in public places. We are also cracking down on littering, including dis-carded cigarette ends and chewing gum, which is another area of concern to residents.

"Littering parks, pave-ments and public spaces with dog mess is a problem that Ribble Valley Council is determined to tackle.

"We mean business and are sending a stark warning to those pet owners who are responsible - clean up or else."

The Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 requires dog owners to pick up their pet's mess, with new on-the-spot fines, which can rise to £1,000 if they are taken to court.

The fines initiative comes in the wake of previous efforts around Whalley Arches at the end of last year when dog wardens fined irresponsible pet owners who were turning the picturesque spot into a "dog loo".

Ribble Valley Council was inundated with complaints from concerned parents, whose youngsters attended nearby Whalley CE Primary School and now the clampdown is going ahead across the borough.

If you want to report dog fouling incident contact the Ribble Valley Council dog warden service on 01200 414464.