The fine for dog-owners in Broadland who fail to clear up their pet's mess immediately has doubled.

Eastern Daily Press: A council has brought in new powers to combat dog fouling. Picture: Broadland District CouncilA council has brought in new powers to combat dog fouling. Picture: Broadland District Council (Image: Broadland District Council)

It comes after new powers were adopted by Broadland District Council as a way of combatting dog fouling across the district.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is now in force across Broadland, which increases the fixed penalty fine for the offence from £50 to £100 and extends the scope to include all public areas. Unlike previous legislation, this covers footpaths through woodland and marshland near to rivers and broads.

A maximum fine of £1,000 if the case goes to magistrates' court remains in place.

The council is also relaunching its Broadland Top Dog campaign this month to combat the issue of dog fouling and get the message across to dog owners about the new PSPO.

Hundreds of responsible owners signed up to the scheme when it was launched in 2016, with their dogs wearing ribbons on collars and leads to show support.

Ribbons are available from the council's reception and a poster can be downloaded from the council's website, www.broadland.gov.uk/topdog to put up on property boundaries to encourage people to clear up after their pet.

John Fisher, the council's portfolio holder for environmental excellence, said: 'We understand how frustrating it is for residents when a few individuals spoil public spaces, therefore we're pleased to introduce this new order that will help us impose a tougher penalty on irresponsible dog-owners and, more importantly, we hope it will deter people from leaving dog mess behind after a walk.'

Anyone who witnesses someone failing to clear up dog mess in Broadland or has information that may help to identify an offender should call 01603 430534 or email environ.protection@broadland.gov.uk