RESIDENTS living on a Darlington street have been warned about fines for dog fouling following multiple complaints.

The Streetscene Enforcement Team at Darlington Borough Councils has sent letters to residents of Cartmell Terrace after receiving complaints about dog fouling on footpaths and nearby lanes.

The purpose of the letter was to remind residents that offences could result in a fixed penalty notice of £75 or prosecution issued by either Durham Constabulary or the council.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesperson confirmed to The Northern Echo the letters were sent out because they had a number of complaints about the issue in that area.

The letter from dog warden Andy Wood states: "Dog fouling is not only unpleasant but it is a serious threat to health which the council is committed to reduce by regular patrols of all public areas and by encouraging reports from the public.

"We would therefore ask for your co-operation to ensure that if you are a dog owner that your dog is kept under control and that you always pick up the dog's mess immediately."

Earlier this month, Darlington residents who allow their dog to foul the streets were warned of a “significant” increase when it comes to the issuing of fixed penalty notices.

Darlington Borough Council is turning to a private sector solution in a bid to clean up the town, after conceding it does not have the resources to win the battle against such offenders.

Speaking at the time, Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and the local environment, said it cost the authority £1.18m every year to clear up litter and dog fouling.

"The council workforce and our brilliant volunteer ‘Street Champions’ do a great job clearing up the streets of Darlington, but we simply don’t have the resources to win the battle against those people who do not respect their area and continue to drop litter or do not pick up after their dogs.

“This is of one of the most substantial issues raised with me as a ward councillor, it really frustrates residents that there are a small minority of residents who don’t give a damn."

Last month, Darlington’s Eastbourne ward councillor, Kevin Nicholson launched a campaign to highlight dog fouling in the neighbourhood he serves.

The Clean It Up campaign saw temporary chalk signs marked on pavements in and around the area in a bid to draw attention to the growing issue.