SCHOOLCHILDREN have designed their own posters to embarrass dog owners into clearing up after their pets as part of a campaign to keep streets and parks clean.

Hambleton District Council is targeting dog owners after a flood of complaints from residents across the district. A new dedicated dog warden has been appointed in a £40,000 clampdown and to help round up stray dogs.

Now children from Ainderby Steeple Primary School, near Northallerton, have been working with the council to create the new posters.

Year six pupils put their artistic talents to the test designing the posters which warn: “This is what a young child in your area thinks”.

The winning designs will be seen on lampposts in and around the villages of Ainderby Steeple and Morton on Swale this summer.

Councillor Brian Phillips, who is responsible for environmental and planning services said dog fouling is one of the issues they get most complaints about. He said the authority was determined not to tolerate it and were particularly targeting areas where there were persistent problems.

He said: “It is reassuring and welcoming that these young people want to help and encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets.

“If we can educate them at a young age then hopefully they will become ambassadors for us. And if they can help spread the message that it is the responsibility of the dog owner or person in charge of the animal to clear up after them we might be able to crack it.

“It is not an excuse to say they were unaware of it or did not have suitable means of removing the faeces. How would they feel if they got it on their shoes, their child’s pram, grandma’s wheelchair or even worse was picked up by their child?”

The council warns dog owners should find a dog waste bin for disposal or failing that bag up the mess and take it home or use a standard litter bin. Anyone who does not clean up after their pet and is caught can be given an automatic fixed penalty of £50 which can lead to a £1,000 fine, and Cllr Phillips said they will also pursue offenders through the courts if necessary.

The council is also calling on residents to be their eyes and ears, reporting pet owners who don't clean up to them, call 01609 779977.