CHURCH-goers were given verbal abuse when they asked dog walkers to stop letting their dogs foul a popular park.

Police are stepping up patrols in Greenfield Memorial Gardens, Haslingden, following complaints from residents and members of Manchester Road Methodist Church.

Jean Sudworth, who attends the church, said: “A lot of people are concerned about the dog fouling in the area and we have actually spoken about it in the church.

“The problem is when you approach a dog walker in the area who does not clean up after their dog, they turn nasty on you. It is not us who can stop them because they do not listen to us.

“Fines need to be issued on the spot because that may be the only way to get through to them."

Methodist minister Roger Brown said: “I can imagine that some of our members would try and speak with the dog owners and they would have gone about that as sensibly as possible.

“People do come in and out our church and mention the issue, which they feel is not acceptable.

“It is clearly a public nuisance.”

Enforcement officers from Rossendale Council have carried out more than 20 patrols in the past three months.

Andrea Goodall, area officer, said: “We are are listening to local concerns and taking the appropriate action.

“Additional signage will shortly be provided in the streets around Greenfield Gardens to discourage dog fouling and it would be really helpful if residents could help by providing good quality information and evidence to help support our dog fouling enforcement action.

“Residents can help by taking note of times, date and regularity of the fouling as well as a description of the dog and the dog walker.

“This can be reported to the Communities Team on 01706 252551 who will add this location to their regular patrols.”

Police have encouraged residents to attend the PACT meetings each Friday at 11am in the Tesco Cafe or to call 01706 237367.