LEOMINSTER Town Council is cracking down on dog fouling in the town but is giving something back to those who are responsible owners.

Councillor Wayne Rosser says that complaints about dog fouling are some of the most frequent the council receives – alongside littering and anti-social behaviour.

In a bid to tackle the problem, the town council has 7,000 free dog waste bags – funded by sponsors – to give out to people to encourage them to pick up their dog's mess.

Posters have also been put up around town to advise people of the health risks of leaving dog foul in public areas.

Councillor Rosser said: "We are just really trying to re-address it. It doesn't matter how many posters they pull down, we will put them back up. It's literally to say 'pick up your dog mess' and also say thank you to the responsible dog owners that have to go to a supermarket and spend lots of money by giving something back.

"It's not costing the tax-payer any money at all as we have sponsors – the Grapes and the Chequers.

"We are not going against dog owners, we are going to support them by giving them free bags. "As a town council I am not sure whether there are any others that do the same but it would be interesting to know."

Leominster Football Club is also playing a part in promoting responsible dog ownership, having taken over responsibility for maintaining the grass area at Bridge Street as well as the bar.

The club has also been supplied with bags for dog walkers who may have forgotten their own.

Herefordshire Council said all dog owners have a legal duty to clean up after their dog. Failure to do so could result in a Dog Control Order with an £80 fixed penalty notice, or a maximum fine of £1,000.

To report dog fouling, email ethelpline@herefordshire.gov.uk or call 01432 261761 on Monday to Friday - 9am to 4.15pm.