A BOROUGH crackdown on litter-louts, flytippers and dog owners who let their pets foul the streets started yesterday.

Offenders face on-the-spot fines from a team of private enforcement officers employed by Rossendale Council.

It has taken on private firm District Enforcement on a 12-month trial.

Two dedicated officers will patrol the borough’s streets and parks seven days-a-week, targeting hot-spots identified by the council. Additional patrols could be brought in.

Cllr Jackie Oakes, the council's operations boss, said:“We already have the power to issue fixed penalty notices but just do not have the capacity to carry out patrols as often as we would like.

“We hope that having enforcement officers on our streets and in our parks, day in and day out, will deter irresponsible people.Dropping litter, flytipping and dog fouling blights local communities and costs council taxpayers’ money to clear up.”

District Enforcement will retain the income from the fixed penalty notices. It will also carry out administration and take any court action.