STREET wardens in the Forest are sending out a message to irresponsible dog owners.

An anti-dog fouling message is being marked in areas where there are problems with irresponsible owners, with paint that fades after a few weeks by the wardens who work for the Forest Council.

The message is marked with a stencil made by Lydney-based Image and already residents are asking the wardens to mark roads.

Cabinet Member for the Community, Cllr Terry Hale said:  "We've had a great deal of support from the public in relation to the recent prosecution of a resident for allowing his dog to foul and failing to clear it up. This new stencil only strengthens the fact that the council is serious about eradicating the problem from the district." 

"The aim of the stencil is to warn irresponsible dog owners that the street wardens are out in the community and they are monitoring the area.

"If members of the public witness a dog owner failing to clear up after their dog has fouled and are willing to provide a witness statement, we encourage them to report it to the street warden team by calling 01594 810000. 

"The council will then follow up the reports and take the necessary formal action."

"The message from the council is clear, where there is sufficient evidence of individuals allowing their dog to foul in a public place and failing to clear it up, you may face a fixed penalty fine of £80 and ultimately prosecution in a magistrates' court if you fail to pay."

The Fouling of Land by Dogs Forest of Dean Order 2009 includes footpaths, roads and verges, green spaces, pathways, sports fields and recreation grounds.