COMMUNITY spirited residents are being urged to blow the whistle on irresponsible dog owners who let pets foul in public areas.

Anyone who spots people not clearing up their dog's faeces has been asked to alert Wychavon District Council, which has launched the Pick Up or Pay Up campaign.

Droitwich town mayor Cllr Don Lawley (Con, Droit.South), who is also a district council member, said: "This is a serious problem and we are committed to tackling it.

"A handful of selfish people will not be allowed to ruin the pleasure that our parks bring to so many.

"Mothers and fathers with prams and pushchairs should not be forced to dodge dog mess on our pavements so I implore the public to help."

The district council has produced a leaflet which includes information about the risks of dog mess.

The authority's environmental protection manager, Melanie Bloyce-Ellis, said: "There is a real danger to health, especially for small children, from eggs of the roundworm toxocara canis found in faeces.

"If swallowed these eggs hatch into larvae and they burrow into the human gut and wander through the body damaging the liver, lungs and eyes.

"They can even cause blindness."

She said residents' calls would be taken in strict confidence and ideally a name, address, description of the dog, date, time and location of offence was needed.

A successful prosecution could lead to a £1,000 fine.

Leaflets are available from Wychavon One Stop Shop, in High Street, Droitwich Spa.

To report an offence call (01386) 565233.