OVER the last month more than 23 people have been slapped with fines for not picking up their dog's mess.

People allowing their dogs to foul in Rossendale have been hit by fines as a specialist enforcement team continues to work in the borough.

On-the-spot-fines have been issued by District Enforcement, which started a 12-month trial across Rossendale in December 2018.

Dedicated officers are patrolling the borough’s streets and parks seven days-a-week, targeting hot-spots identified by the Council. The trial was approved by the cabinet committee early in 2018.

And throughout the month of July alone, 23 fixed penalty notices were issued to offenders.

Councillor Jackie Oakes, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "Most dog owners are responsible – it is very much a small minority of people who don’t pick up their dog mess, but it is these people who are a blight on the towns across Rossendale. It is anti-social, disgusting and irresponsible."