A DOG walker from Sling has been fined for allowing his dog to foul in a public place and failing to clear it up.

In a clampdown on irresponsible dog owners, the Forest of Dean Council's street warden team issued Bryan Soames of Michaels Way, near Coleford, with a fixed penalty notice on April 11 2013, when he failed to clear up after his dog had fouled near a children's play area in Sling.

Mr Soames failed to pay the £80 fine, resulting in court proceedings being brought against him by the council.

The district council took the case to the magistrates' court on February 3 2014. During the proceedings, at which Mr Soames failed to appear, two members of the street warden team gave evidence and Mr Soames was found guilty in his absence. The judge ordered Mr Soames to pay a fine of £150, plus a £20 victim surcharge and awarded the council £200 in costs.

Forest of Dean District Council's Cabinet member for the community, Cllr Terry Hale said: "Dog fouling is an ongoing problem in the district and the street wardens have been working with local residents to eradicate the problem caused by irresponsible dog owners.

"Letting your dog foul in a public place and failing to clear up afterwards is an offence. The prosecution of Mr Soames is a clear example that the issue is taken seriously by the council and if you are caught by our street wardens allowing your dog to foul in a public place you face a fixed penalty fine of £80 and ultimately a court case if you fail to pay.

"We encourage residents to report incidents of dog fouling by contacting the street warden team on 01594 812617."