A COUNCIL has taken on a new dog warden as part of its battle against pets fouling in public.

Adele Scott, who used to worked for the Prison Service, will be out and about in Ribble Valley catching the messy culprits.

Ribble Valley Council launched a sweeping campaign against the irresponsible dog owners in the summer.

Council officers threatened to use CCTV to snare offenders, issue them with £50 on-the-spot fines, then name and shame them.

The campaign was launched at Willows Park Lane, Longridge - dubbed the most dog-fouled footpath in Lancashire after 97 incidents in under a week.

Adele, who will have responsibility for dog fouling enforcement, barking and stray dogs, said she would be adopting a no-nonsense approach.

"The council is committed to protecting and enhancing the Ribble Valley environment and determined to tackle the problem of dog fouling in public," she said.

There has been a 30 per cent increase in complaints about the problem on Ribble Valley streets and cleaning Willows Park Lane costs taxpayers £1,000 a year.

The Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996 requires owners to pick up their pet's mess, with fines of £50 if they don't - and up to £1,000 if they are taken to court.

Other hotspots in the Ribble Valley are Chester Avenue, Faraday Avenue, Standen Road and Woone Lane, Clitheroe; The Arches, Whalley; Mardale play area, Longridge, and in Mellor and Wilpshire.

To report dog fouling, contact Ribble Valley Borough Council Dog Warden Service on 01200 414464.