Officers will be patrolling the worst hit areas, promoting responsible dog ownership and catching offenders in the act.

Where people are seen not cleaning up after their dog, they will be issued with a £50 fine by way of a fixed penalty notice.

Ashfield District Council receives hundreds of complaints about dog fouling each year, and the numbers are unfortunately on the increase.

These reports are used to identify problem areas where dog fouling is substantial problem. It is hope this latest course of action by the Council will build on the already successful campaigns it has run to promote cleaner and greener neighbourhoods.

The Council already helps responsible dog ownership by providing members of the public with free poop-scoop bags which are available from most Council office buildings.

Mr. Edd deCoverly, Head of Neighbourhood Services said:

“This campaign represents our determination to focus on what matters to the public. Ashfield residents tell us they want a cleaner environment and reducing the amount of dog fouling is key to achieving this.

“We continue to ask all dog owners to dispose of their dog mess responsibly and hope that this campaign will encourage more people to do that,” he said.