DOG owners in Hartlepool who let their pets foul back streets are being targeted in a new campaign.

Council chiefs have decided to take action in the wake of an increasing number of complaints about the state of the back streets in the town.

Alley gates have recently been installed in the back streets to crack down on crime, and it is claimed some dogs are being allowed to roam around with no attempt by owners to clean up after them.

Leaflets have been delivered to homes in areas with gated back streets calling for residents' support in tackling the problem.

Graeme Joynt, senior environmental health officer, said: "It appears that some owners are happy to leave their dogs unsupervised in gated back streets because they know they are unable to run off.

"However, in many cases they are also failing to clean up after them, causing a problem that is both unpleasant and a potential health hazard."

The leaflet urges people to report incidents of dog fouling by contacting the Dog Warden Service on (01429) 523575. If possible, they are asked to provide the name and address of the dog owner and the time of day that the fouling usually occurs.