A COUNCILLOR is backing a campaign to crack down on dog fouling in Basildon.

Michael Mowe, Tory councillor for Wickford north, spoke in support of a new clampdown after it emerged just five fines had been handed out to dog owners in four years.

Basildon Council is now backing a Dogs Trust and Keep Britain Tidy campaign to remind owners to clean up after their dogs, but figures show between 2009 and 2012, the council received 943 complaints on the issue.

Council officers can hand out £75 on-the-spot fines, but handed out three in 2012, and just one each in 2011 and 2010.

Mr Mowe claims dog fouling is an issue in Wickford Park. He said: “The problem is you can’t put a warden on every street corner.

“Unfortunately, we have some people who think its beneath them to pick up after their dogs.”

A council spokesman said: “Unfortunately, it’s difficult to catch owners allowing their dogs to foul because it has to be witnessed."