DOG walkers in Barrow will be reminded of the importance of cleaning up after their dogs in a new effort to curb dog fouling.

Yesterday saw the beginning of regular patrols by officers in the Borough.

The officers will be offering leaflets and asking walkers if they have enough dog bags with them, providing them to owners who may have been caught short.

On social media, Barrow Borough Council asked residents to not be offended if they are stopped by an officer.

They tweeted: "Please don't be offended if an officer speaks to you, we want to keep the Borough clean and safe and make sure dog mess is bagged and binned."

Barrow Borough councillor Bill McEwan welcomed the new initiative, he said: "It's an absolutely brilliant idea.

"Not only is it a good idea for keeping the streets clean, but also for the health and safety of people, because we know that germs can be spread by dog muck and such.

"I welcome this news with open arms, I think that it is fantastic if we can get more people to do the right thing and these officers will keep an eye on that. It is wonderful.

"The thing that grates me is that some people will do the hard bit by picking the dog muck up in a bag, but then they will throw it in a tree or a bush and it's hanging there.

"They do the hard part of putting it in a bag so just take it home and put it in the bin instead of doing that.

"Dog owners who just let them do what they want are just horrendous because it is a health and safety matter and leads to all sorts of complaints.

"And if the dog muck is on the grass then kids can come along and fall in it.

"I really think this is a great idea to introduce this into society."