IT is hoped signs in Holsworthy and the surrounding areas will urge people to bag and pick up their dog mess.

Torridge District Council is working with the police in issuing fixed penalty notices to offenders to tackle dog fouling.

Members of the public face charges of up to £75 for failing to comply with the measures.

The signs also state there could be a fine of up to £1,000 if a prosecution in magistrates’ court follows.

The signs indicate enforcement patrols are being carried out in that area ‘as a result of complaints from members of the public that persistent dog fouling is evident’.

Conservative Torridge District Cllr for Holsworthy Ken Carroll said six signs are being provided to Holsworthy Town Council, six to Holsworthy Hamlets Parish Council and three to Sutcombe Parish Council.

One had already been put on display in Holsworthy’s Bodmin Street, but Cllr Carroll said this was later discovered in undergrowth, and put back up.

The other signs are expected to go up in the next month.

Cllr Carroll said: “I live in Chilsworthy and we have a lot of dog fouling in the village, in one case on a footpath leading up to the village hall. It is alleged there are dogs running loose in the village.

“Torridge District Council are prepared to supply the signs to us and install in public areas.

“It is a major problem everywhere and if people get caught the fines are substantial.

“Being a rural area I suspect many villagers either know or suspect who is responsible but don’t want to ‘dob’ in friends.

“I urge people to be vigilant and ask all dog owners to use the dog bags and dog bins and not throw them into the hedges.

“If it would help I would be prepared to provide additional bags adjacent to dog litter bins.”

Any member of the public witnessing a dog fouling offence can notify Torridge District Council’s environmental protection team in confidence, giving details of the offender and dog to assist in investigations, by calling 01237 428810 or by emailing [email protected]