DOG owners who let their pets foul public areas in Alcester will now face a hefty fine.

Stratford Council has put warning signs up across the district advising irresponsible owners to clean up their pets' mess or risk prosecution with a £1,000 fine.

Powers given to the council more than six years ago allowed them to issue £50 fixed penalty notices to offenders rather than risk prosecution.

But despite this, the council gets regular complaints about dog mess on pavements and playing fields - 100 last year alone - so councillors have decided to put the powers to the test.

"It is about time we put an end to the dangerous habit of allowing dogs to foul public areas with the owners not cleaning it up," said district councillor Tony Dixon.

"We are now asking officers to issue fixed penalty notices when they catch anyone breaking the law in this way.

"Our message is clear - clear it up or risk a fine."