RYEDALE District Council (RDC) is taking action after a series of incidents on a Norton footpath.

The council has stepped up patrols on and around the footpath running alongside Priorpot Beck, near Norton Grove Industrial Estate, following an assault on a 27-year-old man and renewed complaints of human fouling there.

Council enforcement officers are conducting high-visibility patrols, alongside PCSOs from North Yorkshire Police, in a bid to reassure the public and catch offenders using the footpath and surrounding area as a toilet.

Councillor Keane Duncan, leader of RDC, said: “Sadly, this area is still proving problematic. Complaints of human mess have re-surged in recent months. Dog mess, littering and anti-social behaviour are also an issue. The assault in December is particularly concerning, and has sparked concern amongst the many locals who regularly use the path.

“Our officers will be out on regular patrol in and around the area to provide public reassurance and to help deter offenders.

“We are particularly keen to identify those responsible for human mess. This disgusting behaviour should not be happening. It is a risk to health, and it needs to stop.We are willing and ready to take strong action on this matter, but the issue is that while we’ve had complaints, we don’t yet have enough evidence of who is doing this.

“We need information from the public to follow this up and that’s why we’re calling on people to be aware of this issue, and if they see something, or know who is responsible, to report it. There's no need to confront anyone they may suspect - report the information to us instead and we will follow it up.”

Anyone with further information should email civilenforcement@ryedale.gov.uk