A CAMPAIGN is underway to clean up the streets of Consett and Stanley.

Residents of the former Derwentside towns are being warned against dropping litter and allowing their dogs to foul in the street.

From next month those who ignore the warning will be hit with an £80 fine by three dedicated enforcement officers from Durham County Council.

Denise Gill, who manages the officers, said: "Litter and dog mess spoils the attractiveness of an area and if these problems are just left they can attract more problems.

"They contribute to the downward spiral of an area."

Throughout July, the council's neighbourhood services team are educating people in Consett, Stanley and the surrounding areas on dog fouling and littering.

The month long Streetscene campaign will see council wardens walk the streets in the Derwentside area, which did not have any wardens before the creation of a new county-wide unitary authority earlier this year.

No fines will be issued this month but offenders will be hit in the pocket after the initial education campaign is over.

Mrs Gill added: "Fines can be issued for anything that can be classed as litter.

"There is no distinction between a sweet wrapper or a bottle - it is all litter.

"We are trying to make people aware that if they drop litter or do not clean up after their dog they could be issued with a fine.

"We do not want to be heavy handed because this had never been done in that area before."

Wardens will be giving out cigarette butt pouches and poop a scoop bags free to support the message.

Officers will also talk to businesses about how they can help contribute to a cleaner environment.

Ian Hoult, Streetscene north area manager, said: "We are committed to improve the local environment, and this is supported by our top class street cleansing teams.

"We also want to work positively with local people to educate and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.

"We will follow up with enforcement action, as, at the end of the day, it's everyone's responsibility to look after our local environment."

The council is hoping to take on more enforcement officers later this year.