A HIGH-tech machine called the Super Dooper Pooper Scooper' is being brought into to clean up dog dirt in Rossendale.

The £19,000 all-terrain vehicle which sucks up the dirt will be used on streets, parks, open spaces, playing fields and sports pitches.

Bosses Rossendale Council made the purchase after residents kicked up a stink over the amount of dog mess littering the area.

However council chiefs today said that cleaning up dog fouling was only part of the problem and enforcement action would also be taken.

Environmental officers and the council's dog warden, David East, will keep watch on people who do not dispose of dog waste properly and will be dishing out fines to people who do not clean up after their pets.

Anyone found breaking the law will be given on the spot £30 fines which can be increased if the person refuses to pay up and is taken to court.

Carole Todd, head of streetscene and liveability at the council, said: "The Super Dooper Pooper Scooper is a state-of the-art vehicle which will really make a big impact on cleaning up dog fouling in the borough.

"It is the right machine to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Dog fouling is a persistent health hazard, particularly on playing and sports fields." Other measures are also being looked into to overcome dog fouling including more signs and extra bins.

And Mr East is also continuing to undertake educational activity to encourage responsible dog ownership.

He said: "Most dog owners agree that they should clean up after their dogs and already have poop scoops and bags. We do not want to prosecute people for failing to clear up after their dog, we want to educate them to clean up instead, but dog fouling is a serious health hazard and if we have to prosecute people we will."

The final part of the strategy to reduce dog fouling is to ensure that local people know how to report dog fouling.

People can use the new freephone telephone number 0800 731 3697 and the council promises to respond to reports of dog fouling within 48 hours.