THE organiser of a campaign to rid Pendle's open spaces of dog muck says pet owners should make a New Year's resolution to clear up after their animals.

Coun John David is spearheading the borough council's crackdown on dog owners who let their pets foul footpaths, parks and cemeteries.

A team of 30 specially trained officers are patrolling the borough's streets, working in shifts, and handing out £50 on-the-spot fines to anyone leaving dog mess behind.

The scheme was started around six weeks ago, but will continue into 2005.

Anyone who does not pay within 14 days will get a final notice and if they have not paid seven days later, will be taken to court and could get a £1,000 bill.

Coun David, LibDem councillor for Old Laund Booth, said: "Dog muck is rightly a major concern of a large number of residents.

"The scheme seems to have been a success in that we have seen hundreds of people alking their dogs and most people seem to clean up after them, but I would urge them to keep it up and for those who don't to make it one of their New Year's resolutions to start doing so."

The council collects more than 26 tons of dog waste every year from its 471 dog waste bins and offers free poop bags for dog owners. Coun David said the majority of dog owners did clear up after their pets but many people still have not got the message.

The inspection team will patrol parks, cemeteries, footpaths, roads and play areas throughout the early morning, daytime and evening where hotspots throughout the borough are chosen.

A hotline has been set up for people to report dog fouling and more dog bins will be provided if necessary.

Dog owners can get poop bags in person from all council buildings including Colne Town Hall, Nelson Town Hall, Barnoldswick Tourist Information Centre, Earby District Office and Brierfield Town Hall.

To report dog fouling or for advice, contact the hotline on 01282 661743.