OKEHAMPTON Town Council is cracking down on dog fouling across the town.

The council is liaising with police and West Devon Borough Council about efforts to start prosecuting dog owners who fail to clear up after their animals.

The police would gather evidence on offenders and take it to the borough council, which would then have the power to prosecute. The town council is looking to put new signs around the town to encourage people to use the dog waste bins dotted around Okehampton.

Cllr the Rev Mike Davies, Okehampton town mayor, said: 'We have been talking to both the police and the borough about starting prosecuting people. As mayor, the thing I get complaints about more than anything else is dog fouling.

'It is a major annoyance and something that we want to put a stop to as a town council. We feel the most effective way is to go down the line of prosecution through the borough council.

'We have yet to prosecute anyone, but it is only a matter of time. I would urge dog owners not already doing so to clear up after their pets, or they could be the first to get prosecuted.'

Jonathan Dean is currently volunteering for the council as an authorised dog waste officer. He goes around the town on his bicycle at least once a week for a stint of up to three hours, clearing up dog mess left on the town's pavements, walkways and in Simmons Park.

He said: 'One reason I volunteered for this is because I am as annoyed about it as everyone else. For example, people sit on the grass in the park or walk through the park only to discover dog poo.

'Another was that I have been unemployed for a long time now, and struggling to find work. So I wanted to get out and contribute something positive for the community.

'One day I left my house, and barely got out of my housing estate before I had to empty the dog bin attached to the back of my bike. It shows that it is a big problem in the town.'

Cllr the Rev Davies said: 'It is a great contribution by Jonathan to volunteer to do what many would see to be a thankless task. He has taken it on with great enthusiasm and deserves our congratulations for that.

'We want the people of the town to know that we are doing what we can to curb dog fouling, because we know that enough is enough.'