MESSAGES have been sprayed on pavements around Looe telling dog owners to clean up after their pets.

The red warnings, produced using stencils, include an image of a dog – and the mess it has left behind – and the words: Clean It Up!

The messages have been sprayed in areas known to be hotspots for dog fouling.

With the backing of the town council and Cornwall highways department, Looe community officer Simon Townly has introduced the stencilling – the first in the county. The spray used is biodegradable and washes off in around four to six weeks.

So far the messages have been sprayed on pavements in Shutta and Barbican Roads, Hannafore Lane, on the bridge and around the harbourside.

'The responsible dog owners in Looe think this is a brilliant idea,' said Simon, 'and I have observed a lot of people stopping to read what the message says. I am also increasing my patrols in the early morning and late at night to deter fouling.

'The new dog fouling initiative is to increase awareness in the community and to ensure that both residents and visitors to Looe are aware that responsible dog ownership is essential to maintain an environment to feel proud of.'

The community officer's strategy is also backed by a new publicity campaign which is aimed at the younger generation.

Colourful posters and flyers illustrate the fact that 'There's no such thing as the dog poo fairy'.

Martin Gregory, chairman of the town council's public health and environment committee, said: 'Dog fouling is always one of the biggest areas of concern for residents and visitors.

'As the majority of responsible dog owners who pick up after their dogs prove, it is totally unnecessary and once again it is the minority that spoil it for the rest.

'We have worked hard to remind dog owners of their responsibilities and this is our latest campaign. However, we will now be adopting a much harder stance and will be issuing fixed penalty notices to those caught not picking up after their dogs or caught not binning the bagged faeces.'