DOG-owners who let their pets foul pavements and walk away are being warned there is “no hiding place” as part of a new campaign.

Wirral Council has joined forces with environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy in a bid to reduce dog mess in key problem areas of the borough.

The drive follows research showing that dog-walkers are more responsible and pick up after their pets when they think they are being watched.

An eye-catching series of posters that glow in the dark has been designed and will be placed around the borough in "hot-spot" areas from the beginning of next week.

They will be accompanied by a leaflet drop, informing homeowners about the crackdown.

The posters will feature in 120 hot-spots for a six-months campaign run.

The problem districts were selected through local constituency committees and iby using nformation from householders about streets where dog mess is an issue.

Many people suggested that dog-fouling tends to occur at night and during the winter months, as some dog-owners feel that they cannot be seen under the cover of darkness.

Councillor Bernie Mooney, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “Feedback from residents has told us that people want us to do more about dog-fouling.

" It’s an issue that many complain about and is caused by a minority of dog-owners.

“The vast majority of owners are responsible people who always pick up after their pets and correctly dispose of the waste in bags. But sadly, a small number do not.

“We are thrilled to be working with Keep Britain Tidy and being a part of the campaign.”

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Phil Barton said: “Our research tells us that people see dog-fouling as by far the most unacceptable and dirtiest type of litter.

"This campaign has been proven to make a difference and encourages the minority of dog-owners who do not pick up after their pets do the right thing."

"We are delighted Wirral Council is joining with us."

Wirral is one of 20 organisations and groups across the country that took part in an initial pilot scheme conducted by Keep Britain Tidy.

It saw an average reduction of 46% in levels of dog-fouling.