A BOROUGH has hired an extra dog warden to tackle dog fouling.

The new enforcement officer is in addition to those employed in May by Ribble Valley Council to crackdown on canine mess.

Dog wardens have been sweeping dog-fouling hotspots across the borough, including Clitheroe Cemetery, targeting people who repeatedly leave their pet's mess.

The scheme – which has also seen patrols in Longridge, Barrow, Whalley, Billington, Wilpshire, Read and Mellor – has been a success and another dog warden has been hired for six months

Ribble Valley Council receives at least one complaint about pet poop a day and spends thousands of pounds a year disposing of it.

Heather Barton, head of environmental health, said: “Dog-fouling is the subject of constant complaints from residents and our dog wardens are spending more time on enforcement action, as well as emptying poop bins.”

She added: “Although we are a victim of our own success, this temporary appointment will help us keep up the pressure on dog-owners who leave their pet poop in public.”

Dog owners who fail to pick up after their pets face a £100 fixed penalty notice or day in court and fine of up to £1,000.