MORE than 200 Wirral dog owners received on-the-spot fines in the first year of the council's zero-tolerance campaign targeting those who let their pets foul the streets.

Enforcement officers working for Kingdom, the authority's enforcement partners, handed out 227 fixed penalty notices in the twelve months from May last year.

Now into the second year of the enforcement contract, the council is shifting its approach in an attempt to change the behaviour of the minority who still don't pick up.

A pilot project in four Wirral parks where there are dispensers in place giving out free dog poo bags has proved successful.

They are situated at Dibbinsdale, Royden, Harrison and Victoria parks, but more are due to be installed at other parks in the coming weeks.

Cllr Phillip Brightmore, cabinet member for environment, said: "It is great to hear that so many of our residents have such pride in their neighbourhood and would not dream of leaving any kind of litter behind.

"Taking personal responsibility for what happens to your own rubbish when out in public is absolutely the right thing to do.

"The deterrent is now well-established and I think most dog owners know that not only is it wrong to leave dog mess behind, but they will also be fined on the spot if caught doing it.

"But the kind of behaviour change we need to encourage amongst this small irresponsible minority is likely to take longer to achieve and we need to come at it from different angles, not just the deterrent angle.

"This is why we are providing the dispensers, partly funded by the proceeds of fines, enabling everyone to do the right thing.

"Seeing bags readily available will hopefully encourage them to take one and pick up after their dog.

"If there isn't a bin immediately to hand, carry it with you until you come across one.

"Don't, under any circumstances, think it is an acceptable alternative to leave bagged dog mess behind or hanging from a tree.

"This is still an offence and if caught you will still receive a fixed penalty notice for littering.

"Not collecting and disposing of your dog's waste is irresponsible and disgusting. Enough is enough."