DOG fouling remains a significant problem within Torridge as elsewhere and in order to address the issue, Torridge District Council has partnered with the police to issue fixed penalty notices.

The district council has engaged with Devon and Cornwall Police and its police community support officers (PCSOs) based within the district, to assist in issuing fixed penalty notices to offenders. The public face charges of up to £75 for failing to comply with the correct measures.

Torridge’s lead member for the environment Councillor Alan Whittle said: ‘I welcome this new initiative.

‘With Torridge District Council and Devon and Cornwall Police working closer together, this will increase the number of enforcement officers who can prevent, detect and enforce current national and local legislation. It is a great example of multi-agency working as part of Torridge District Council’s transformation programme.

‘Through the development of a new, larger multi-agency team we can better protect the parks and public open spaces, making Torridge a cleaner and safer place to live and visit.’

Inspector Brock, Devon and Cornwall Police, said: ‘This commitment across our agencies to tackle the issue of dog fouling is evidence of the co-operation which exists in the delivery of public service for the people of Torridge.

‘A larger number of eyes on the ground able to deal with this thoughtless behaviour will assist in the reduction of the problem and is only one of the many examples of where TDC and police staff are working together.’