DOG owners who fail to clear up their pets' waste have been targeted by a council initiative to clean the streets.

Durham County Council’s neighbourhood wardens spent February on patrol on the streets of Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Fishburn, Sedgefield and Trimdon.

The team investigated 28 reports of dog fouling and it issued one fixed penalty notice and ten warning notices to pet owners.

A further six warning letters were sent out and seven stray dogs were removed from the streets.

Wardens investigated four reports of littering and they handed out two fixed penalty notices.

The team also looked into 31 incidents of flytipping and it carried out 14 investigations into the rubbish found in the area.

Untidy garden owners were also targeted with five litter clearing notices and 29 advisory letters were sent out.

The council also issued seven fixed penalty notices to residents who failed to respond to requests to clear their gardens.

The neighbourhood team also dealt with 23 reports of anti-social behaviour during the month.

On a positive side 27 pet owners have signed up to the Green Dog Walkers project.

The scheme works by owners committing to pick up their pet’s waste and they also carry extra bags to give to other dog walkers to use.