NEW by-laws are helping borough council bosses take a tough stance against people who let their dogs foul in public parks.

The new regulations give litter wardens, park rangers and dog wardens the power to fine dirty dog owners £25 if they witness incidents in the South Ribble area.

And, after just three months, 45 people have been collared by eagle-eyed council officials - who are determined to keep the area clean.

The highest number of fixed penalty fines issued has been in Worden Park, where 12 dog owners have been spotted by the pooper patrols.

Just six people were prosecuted between June 1997 and May 31, 1998. But council officials are expecting a rise in the number of people brought to book.

In a report to South Ribble Council's environmental health and control committee, a spokesman said: "Overall the system has been very successful. We have been able to pay more attention to the problem, with more departments involved.

"Ultimately, we expect to see a reduction in the number of complaints as people become more aware of the by-law."

Earlier this year, local councillor Tom Sharratt warned residents of Coupe Green that dog fouling would not be tolerated, with locals launching mini pooper-patrols.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.