RESIDENTS have been urged to act as the “eyes and ears” of a district council in a bid to stamp out a growing problem of dog fouling.

Dave Gooderham

RESIDENTS have been urged to act as the “eyes and ears” of a district council in a bid to stamp out a growing problem of dog fouling.

Careless owners have been threatened with a �50 fine as part of a tough new stance instigated by Babergh District Council.

Patrols will also be stepped up against the anti-social behaviour after an increase in problems in Sudbury, Hadleigh and Great Cornard.

And council chiefs have admitted the public can play a key role in catching the offenders red-handed and have urged them to note down information and even record any incidents on cameras and mobile phones.

Jo Hart, Babergh's environmental protection officer, said: “Apart from being unsightly and a nuisance, dog fouling can be a health risk - particularly to children - so it is especially alarming that people are failing to clear up after their dogs in the vicinity of schools.

“Don't let the thoughtless actions of a few give the dog owners in Babergh a bad name. If you have a dog, please ensure that you always bag its faeces and either put it in a dog bin or double wrap it and put it in your black wheelie bin. Politely encourage others to do their duty too.”

The council revealed that it has received “scores of complaints” from concerned members of the public in the district and have recently increased patrols in Hadleigh - particularly in the Glanville Road, Woodthorpe Road, Tinkers Lane and Lambert Close areas.

During the patrols, one man was given an on-the-spot fine after failing to clean up fouling from his dog outside St Mary's Churchyard in the town.

Anyone who would like to report an incident should contact Babergh on 01473 826622.