DOG fouling is being targeted in a big clean up by New Forest District Council's wardens.

They have swapped four wheels for two as they carry out regular patrols on their mountain bikes to promote responsible dog ownership and to target owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

The new approach will cover coastal and urban areas across the Forest and will accompany the unit's vehicle and foot patrols.

Dog owners who fail to clean up after their mutts risk being served with a £50 fixed penalty notice and, if they do not pay within 14 days, will end up in magistrates' court to face a fine of up to £1,000.

Neil Burton, dog warden at New Forest District Council, said the new bike patrols will be used to scour parts of the Forest which the unit's vans cannot reach.

"This approach allows us to be more mobile," he said. "We can also target a specific area and carry out patrols faster than being on foot.

"It is an environmentally friendly way of making sure the district's dog owners are responsible for their pets.

"It is important dog owners clean up after their animals when they're out in public to make sure the New Forest remains a clean place to live, work and visit."

For more information, contact Neil Burton or Natasha Pardoe-Matthews at NFDC's dog warden service on 023 8028 5131.