DOG owners are being reined in after letting their pets foul at a beach.

After receiving numerous reports of excrement found on grass behind the clock tower at Seaton Carew, Hartlepool Borough Council is determined to clean up the area before thousands of revellers flock to the area for its annual fireworks display on November 5.

A council spokesman said: “There are several areas of grass behind the clock tower and the problem of dog fouling is rife on all of them.

“Strangely, the actual promenade in this area seems clear and that makes us think that someone is deliberately using the grass as a dog toilet.

“It is such a shame that this is happening as the area has recently been landscaped as part of the recently-completed sea defence improvements and usually looks really nice."

Enforcement officers are monitoring the area but anyone with information can report an offence by giving specific information, including the owner’s name, address, car registration or detailed dog description, by calling 01429-523333.