A SURVEILLANCE scheme to track down and catch people who allow their dogs to foul in the street and not clean it up is being launched.

Instead of employing a second dog warden, Craven District Council has agreed to fund surveillance on specific problem areas throughout the district.

A review over the last six months of dog fouling offenders shows that there were no successful prosecutions.

Only two cases were witnessed by the dog warden and are under review, and in the only case where a third person agreed to act as a witness it was not progressed because of the offender's difficult personal circumstances.

Head of operations Greg Robinson said that it would cost £22,500 to employ a second dog warden but even then it would not address problems like the wardens having to work in isolation.

Instead he asked all the parish councils to highlight on the map all the areas renowned for dog fouling so they could be targeted.

He added: "Rather than having a second dog warden we will have someone to help and observe where the problems are with a view to bringing more prosecutions.

"We will be picking on areas where we know there is a problem at certain times. It seems to me people know they have to clear up the muck but they are not prepared to do it."

Members of Craven District Council's housing and environmental committee approved £5,000 towards the targeted surveillance. A part time worker would work in a team with the dog warden to target specific areas and act as a witness to the offences.

The cash should pay for 10 hours surveillance a week which is expected to cover only two or three areas at random intervals.

Coun Paul English, who has been fighting for the council to employ a second warden, said: "It is just a cop out. It is neither nothing or anything. We all know what we want and we all know what we need."

He felt the 10 hours would not be enough if the surveillance officer had to travel across the district.

Under the scheme, anyone caught allowing their dog to foul and not clear it up can be prosecuted.

Any offenders witnessed by the warden or officer will incur a fixed penalty fine if they admit the offence, but if they deny it they could be liable for prosecution. Persistent offenders will be prosecuted and offenders seen by a third party who is willing to be a witness could be referred for prosecution.

Alongside the surveillance scheme, work to promote responsible dog ownership will continue. These include educational visits for schools, dog training, and the distribution of free dog waste bags.