A POSTER campaign targeting dog owners who fail to clean up their pets’ mess has been launched following a surge in complaints.

Wardens at Vale of White Horse District Council have put up 100 posters in hotspot areas after complaints to the council about dog mess soared.

The wardens have seen a particular rise in Faringdon – specifically in Park Road, Gravel Walk and Southampton Street – and in Stanford in the Vale.

Letters are being sent to all the properties in streets where the problem has increased.

District council environment warden Colin Marshall said: “Recently I’ve seen an increase in complaints by about 30 per cent.

“It seems particularly bad in Faringdon and Stanford in the Vale.

“I think it’s because once you think you’ve got the problem sorted, new people move in and need to be educated.

“The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up after their dogs, but there is a minority who fail to do so and as result our footpaths and pavements are being blighted.

“It is disgusting, unhygienic and totally unnecessary.”

In January and February the number of complaints rose from 16 last year to 22, and from 10 in 2008.

Over the past two years, six people have been given £50 fines in the Vale for failing to clean up after their dog – and dog owners could face a £1,000 fine for allowing their animal to foul in the street.

Faringdon town councillor Roger Cox said: “It gets raised at virtually every town council meeting.

“We welcome the initiative because people continue to need reminding. It’s a disgusting problem caused by inconsiderate people.”

To contact the council’s environment wardens, call 01235 520202.