A council is calling on locals in a Norfolk village to report sightings of owners not cleaning up after their pets amid a rise in dog mess being left on pavements.

Officials from Great Yarmouth Borough Council have been asked to investigate after receiving several complaints about the issue in Belton.

They said it would be "great to get some intelligence as to where the owners live" so they could "either educate or prosecute them".

Dog fouling at Station Road North in BeltonDog fouling at Station Road North in Belton (Image: Submitted) The council officers added: "We have fouling stickers but obviously the hardcore offenders will tend to ignore them.

"We would welcome any information from residents who might know who these owners are, as obviously they are more likely to see or hear things if they're regular walkers in that area."

The council was asked to look into the issue by Belton Parish Council after it received a number of complaints.

These highlighted the main hotspots as being the Bell Lane field, particularly at the entrance to Broom Gardens, and Sandy Lane. 

One woman, who wished to remain unnamed, said she was forced to pick up the mess of other people's dogs to keep the pathway to her back gate clear.

"My daughter has trodden in it and dragged it into the house countless times. It is disgusting and I know my neighbours are angry too," the mother-of-two said.

Sandy Lane in BeltonSandy Lane in Belton (Image: Bruno Brown) ​"Now I just sort it out myself but it is a losing battle and very unfair since I don't even have a dog. I have cats which are tidy animals."

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The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the parish council, when chairman David Mills and clerk Kate Ruddock both reported they had received several complaints.

Councillors agreed that they would include an article on the issue of dog fouling in the Belton Village Voice as well as request for more signage to be put up in the worst affected areas.

Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 and should the case go to court this could cost the pet owner up to £1,000.

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