DOG owners who fail to clear up after their pets are being targeted in a new £40,000 clampdown following a wave of complaints from residents.

Hambleton District Council has employed a dedicated dog warden to work in some of the worst dog fouling hot spots, spreading the word that it will not be tolerated.

Councillor Brian Phillips said dog fouling was one of the most common complaints the authority received.

He said: “The new dog warden will work with local communities where there are long-standing and persistent problems to try to bring the situation under control and where necessary deal with the culprits through fines or even through the judicial system.”

For the past five years the authority has paid outside contractors to run the service.

It is hoped a dedicated warden will increase the number of fines being imposed, to act as a deterrent to dog owners who fail to clear up after their pets.

Dog warden David Granger told Northallerton Town Council he would go to schools to talk to children to encourage them to be responsible.

He said: “They are the dog walkers of the future, and the more we can explain the damage that is done and the effects dog fouling has the better.”

The service will also pick up strays and work with the Dogs Trust to rehome animals.

Mr Granger said they had picked up 20 strays in the first few weeks of the service.

He said they would also improve warning signs and spray notices on pavements about fouling.

A £50 fixed penalty notice can be issued over fouling and irresponsible owners face fines of up to £1,000.

For information and to contact the dog warden, visit hambleton.gov.uk

• Dog fouling hostops include: Northallerton – Applegarth School and park areas, Crosby Road, Broomfield Avenue, Cleveland Drive, Hutchinson Drive and Millfield Drive; Tollerton – Tennis Court Lane, Main Street, South Back Lane and Back Lane; Huby – Shaw Crescent, Horner Avenue and Tally Hill; Easingwold – Stone Field Avenue, Thirsk Road, Long Street and Knott Lane; Shipton by Beningbrough – Sandhole Lane, Station Lane and Downey Garth.