DOG walkers are being warned that extra enforcement patrols are to be carried out in a country park to ensure they pick up after their pets.

Some of the patrols at Summerhill will be carried out early in the morning and later in the evening, and the move follows an increase in dog fouling.

Cllr Marjorie James, chairwoman of Hartlepool Council’s neighbourhood services committee, said: “We want to send out a clear message to irresponsible dog owners that we are not prepared to put up with their selfish actions.

“We want them to be aware that enforcement officers will be visiting the site at various times of the day and they will, without fail, issue £80 Fixed Penalty Notices in all cases where owners are observed failing to clean up after their dogs.”