Darlington'S uniformed wardens have launched a series of early morning operations to crack down on dog fouling in the town centre.

The campaign was launched this week after wardens received complaints about dog fouling in the town centre and the Denes area and traced these to dog owners who walk their dogs before going to work.

The initiative comes hard on the heels of the council's recent announcement to double the £25 on-the-spot fixed penalty fines for dog fouling to £50, with repeat offenders facing the possibility of court action.

The operation, which will last for an indefinite period, is designed to keep parks and open spaces clean and suitable for children to play in.

It is particularly important in areas where children play during the summer months as dog mess presents a serious health risk.

On the first day of the campaign two dog owners were cautioned in the town centre and a further six were cautioned in the Denes.

The council intends to warn people for the first week or so of the operation and, if the problems persist, will start handing out spot fines.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said, "The wardens' role is all about improving quality of life in the town.

"They will be confronting offenders who are putting children at risk and making the town centre and parks unpleasant.

"They will also be encouraging dog owners to be responsible and to use the bins provided for dog waste.

"We will be maintaining this campaign and I want people to know that it does not matter if the offence takes place at five in the morning - we will catch them and they will pay the £50 fine."

The operation is concentrating on the two areas which have received most complaints, but it could be extended if reports are received in other areas.

A council spokesman said: "If we get a lot of complaints coming from another area of town, we're likely to look at that.

"The public will be helping us to clean up the streets."

Anyone wanting to report dog fouling problems in Darlington is asked to contact the Neighbourhood Wardens on (01325) 346831.