PATROLS by Torridge District Council's dog warden are to be stepped up in Holsworthy in a bid to tackle the town's dog fouling problem.

At January's meeting of Hols­worthy Town Coun­cil, Cllr Mary Barfett drew councillors' attention to the recurring problem of dog fouling in the town, especially along the viaduct, the path alongside Higg's Trust and in the park.

At last Wednesday's meeting, it was reported that the town clerk, Mrs Clare Dalley, had met with Carl Caswell, Torridge District Council's Animal Welfare Officer, and it had been decided that the patrols in the town would be stepped up.

The clerk explained that if details of the offenders were available to the officer, fines could be issued and possible court action taken.