AN EAST Lancashire council has issued a clampdown on careless dog owners.

After a spate of complaints about canines in the borough, Rossendale Council has set new rules for residents walking dogs.

Earlier this year staff at St John with St Michael Cof E Primary School, Shawforth, urged councillors to deal with the issue of dog fouling in the Valley, after a popular school route was soiled by dogs.

A new report issued this month reinforces dog fouling penalties and forces owners to keep their dogs on leads when confronted by a council officer.

On the spot fines of £75 can also be given to anyone failing to clean up after their dog.

A spokesman from Rossendale Council said: “Dog fouling is an issue that does get raised in the council and we felt the time was right to issue the report.

“We are not the first in Lancashire to do this sort of thing, and we will not be the last.

“The report gives the council more power on where people can walk their dogs and the way they control them.”

To view the report visit www.rossendale.gov.uk.

To have your say on the clampdown email: communitiesteam@rossendalebc.gov.uk or write to the communities team, Rossendale Borough Council, Stubbylee Lane, Ol13 0DD.

Responses have to be submitted by Friday, September 11.