DOG fouling hotspots in a village are being targeted as part of a new initiative.

Durham County Council’s neighbourhood wardens are using ‘Clean It Up’ stencils and chalk paint to encourage dog walkers in Bearpark, near Durham, to pick up after their pets.

Because the paint is temporary and will only last a few weeks, wardens can change where they use the stencil, if the situation on a particular road improves.

Local councillors have highlighted the worst affected areas –mostly in the streets surrounding Bearpark Primary School.

Oliver Sherratt, the council’s head of Direct Services, said: “The stencils have been very well received by residents who are keen to see something done about dog fouling in the village.

“Dog fouling not only spoils the environment but it can cause serious health risks, especially to children. Let’s hope these stencils act as a trigger to remind dog walkers of the importance of carrying and using bags to clean up after their pets.”

A similar scheme is also up and running in Coxhoe.