WILLASTON is preparing to get tough on dog owners who don't care about their pooches' poop.

Councillors have printed off posters and prepared stencilled floor graphics to make pet owners think twice before they scarper without clearing up their mess.

The anti-dog fouling campaign has been launched after residents asked Willaston Parish Council to help out.

The posters have been placed in problem areas around the village and the council hopes the floor graphics will ram the message home further.

Four waste bag dispensers have also been placed around Willaston, but these are for emergency use only when dog owners forget to bring bags or don't have enough.

Cllr Wayne Salisbury, who proposed the dog-fouling campaign, said: "It is disappointing that a minority of dog owners feel it is acceptable to not clear up after their pets and leave their waste on the pavements and grassed areas of our lovely village.

"Not only is this illegal but it is also unpleasant and unhygienic.

"It is clear from residents' feedback that enough is enough and those dog owners that have not cleared up in the past now need to ensure that they do their duty after their dog has done its business.

"Willaston is fortunate to have 38 public waste bins, wherever you are within the village you are never too far away from a waste bin."

The local community policing team is supporting the initiative with further patrols along with Cheshire East Civil enforcement officers who can issue fines of up to £1,000.

The waste bag dispensers are located at:

• Wistaston Road / Moorfields Corner
• Coppice Road / Murrayfield Drive Corner
• Park Road / Scout Hut
• Wybunbury Road, outside Lettie Spencer Playing Field