CHILTON dog owners have come under fire for leaving the town covered in pet mess.

Residents say the only answer is to fine irresponsible dog walkers and have called on the authorities to get tough.

Children and parents heading into Chilton Primary School, off New South View, carry the mess on their shoes and it gets trapped on prams and wheelchairs.

Christine Samways, the school’s business manager, said: “Every day there are new dollops of dog dirt.

“It’s a major problem and we get complaints about it from parents and staff who visit the school.

“People get it on their shoes and it is picked up by pram wheels. We’d like to see someone fined for failing to clear it up.

“Pet owners need to be responsible and they should consider that it could be their child who stands in the mess that they have left behind.”

Chilton Town Council staff regularly field 20 complaints a week on the issue.

They feel that there are several problem areas like the school and also near to Raby Terrace where 39 piles of waste were counted recently.

Vicky Nelson, the council’s clerical officer, said: “It’s a disgusting habit and I’d say that it’s getting worse.

“We hope that someone who fails to clear up the mess gets caught as this could make the others stop.

“We provide packs of bags for dog owners to use to clear up after their pets and we only charge 50p for them.”

Ian Hoult, neighbourhood protection manager at Durham County Council, said: “We would urge all dog owners to do the responsible thing and pick up after their pets.

“Failing to do so is totally unacceptable and action will be taken against anyone found to be responsible for allowing their dog to foul the streets and pavements.

“We ask anyone with information about who is responsible for this unpleasant problem to contact us so that we can investigate and take the appropriate action.”

Complaints can be made to the county council on 03000-261000 or at www.durham.gov.uk.