DOG owners have been warned they could be fined under Bolton's street clean-up if they allow their pets to foul public spaces.

Bolton Council chiefs have introduced new fixed penalties for dog owners who do not clean up after their pets in the town's streets and parks.

Four people appeared in court last week and were fined £100 each, plus £100 costs, after being caught by enforcement officers on early morning patrols in parks across Bolton.

From June 1, the offence will be punishable by new £50 fixed penalties.

The on-the-spot fines are being introduced for both litter louts and dog owners.

The fines will replace the yellow-card warnings that have been handed out since the start of May.

Although people who fail to clean up after their dogs could still be hit with a fine of up to £1,000 in court, a council spokesman said it was more likely that the new penalties would be used for first-time offenders.

"The new scheme will offer us a much quicker way of fining these people and hopefully of giving them a reason not to do it again," said the spokesman.

"But the fixed penalties will only be handed at the discretion of litter wardens who can still fine people up to £1,000 through the courts."

Residents called in council teams after an epidemic of dog fouling at St Mary's football pitches in Horwich.

Early morning patrols have so far caught about seven owners and the spokesman added that the zero-tolerance approach will continue.

"The mess in some parts of Bolton has reached such a level that it is difficult to walk safely on the paths.

"Since we had the powers to start prosecuting people, the problem has started to go away - but unfortunately people in Horwich seem to think it is their God-given right to allow dogs to use this area as a toilet.

"We are also mindful of the fact that it poses a serious health risk to children," he added.