TRADERS and councils are appealing to people to dish the dirt on dog owners whose pets foul the streets of Ferryhill.

Alarmed by reports of children falling into mess left behind by pets, Ferryhill Town Council, Ferryhill Chamber of Trade and Sedgefield Borough Council have pledged to track down and fine offenders.

Traders are now displaying anti-dog fouling posters and billboards and one person has been identified as a persistent offender by informants.

The borough council has been successful in fining several dog owners £50 for the offence in other parts of the area.

A town council spokesman appealed for members of the public to come forward with information, which can be given anonymously.

He said: "This habit of not cleaning up after their pets is not only disgusting for all the public who have to walk through it but it is dangerous as it can cause blindness in children even six months after.

"Names and addresses are useful, but if you only know the regular spot and time for the offence with a description the patrol can be mounted to catch the culprits."

Contact Ferryhill Town Council on (01740) 652157 or Sedgefield Borough Council's enforcement officer on (01388) 816166.