A COUNCIL has toughened up its policy against litter louts and irresponsible dog owners.

People who regularly allow their dogs to foul and litter bugs will be fined under a policy brought in by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Coun Joyce Benbow, the council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "We want the public to be responsible and the vast majority are. But those people who regularly drop litter or who don't take care to clear up their dog's mess need to know that this will not be tolerated and they will be fined."

Street wardens have received coaching in using the legislation which includes the imposition of £50 fines, payable within 14 days.

The council says if the fines are not paid a prosecution for non payment will be considered with the courts able to exact a fine for non payment of anything between £1,000 and £2,500.

Wardens are to target rubbish hotspots such as shopping arcades, countryside walks and back lanes.

The authority's tough line is being introduced as Middlesbrough Council's executive is being recommended by their own council's scrutiny panel to take more enforcement action against fly tippers and litter louts.

Among 22 panel recommendations being considered by the executive today will be a call for an increase in enforcement and a drive to "target areas where standards are poor and greater enforcement can be applied".