FOREST street wardens have a new weapon in the fight against dog fouling – spray cans.

The wardens went into Sling after complaints about dog walkers leaving their pets' mess in the area, including outside people's front gates and a children's play area.

Street wardens have taken to several of the worst-affected areas including Clays Road, Meadow Walk and Marsh Hill.

As they come across the mess they are spraying it bright orange to highlight how much is not being picked up by dog walkers.

A dog walker has already been fined after wardens saw him allowing his dog to foul on two separate occasions and the walking away without cleaning it up.

Street warden team leader, Nick Brain said: "Dog fouling can lead to an infection called toxocariasis if it enters the human system and children are most at risk of this disease.

"We were astounded by how much dog mess was actually being left behind by dog walkers and can fully understand the frustration of local residents with this problem.

"Extra signage was also put up in the area explaining that the offence of not picking up after their dogs can result in a fixed penalty of £80."