OUTRAGED villagers are joining forces in an effort to stop irresponsible dog owners allowing their dogs to foul grass areas.

Residents of the conservation village of Marton, near Kirkbymoorside, have been angered by sudden spate of incidents.

With the support of Ryedale dog warden Brian Dunn notices have now been placed around the village urging people to control, their pets and clear up after them.

Local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Terry Wallis said: "Dog mess is an eyesore and a health hazard and in our village we have had some complaints of dog fouling in the past.

“But matters became out of hand recently when the contractor responsible for cutting the grass areas complained that his men found no less than 21 areas of dog excrement which makes it unpleasant when cutting grass either with a mower or a strimmer – and of particular concern is the fact that children frequent the areas.”

He added: “If you are a dog owner, you have a legal duty to clean up every time your dog messes in a public place.”

Councils can issue fixed penalty orders to people who fail to clean up after their dogs – and magistrates can fine people up to £1,000.