Pembrokeshire County Council's Dog Control Service, assisted by officers of Dyfed Powys Police, are again getting ready for another summer season in Tenby.

Dog restrictions on Pembrokeshire beaches - including Tenby - start from today (Friday) May 1.

"We will be looking to continue the good work undertaken by officers in operating the council's Envirocrime scheme" said Clr. Huw George, the authority's cabinet member for environmental and regulatory services.

This scheme was introduced to alter the way the dog wardens operate by allowing them to become more proactive in dealing with dog fouling issues and encouraging them to engage with the local community to assist in dealing with the problem.

Tenby was the first area in the county in which the scheme was trialled.

Clr. George explained: "It involves the wardens, police, town and community councils, local schools and other interested groups working together to find innovative ways to try and reduce dog fouling.

"As a result of the scheme, new signage, designed by schoolchildren, is being rolled out across the areas where the scheme has taken place

"As well as showcasing drawings by the children, the signage also displays QR codes to allow people to report problems of dog fouling wherever they are in Pembrokeshire over the county council's website.

All the data captured from this online reporting helps the council map areas where complaints are highest and effectively target resources."

The dog wardens also regularly patrol in areas with the assistance of local PCSOs to enforce the conditions if necessary.

Failing to pick up dog fouling can lead to the service of a Fixed Penalty ticket which carries a fine of £75.

Community groups have also bought into the scheme, and in one area, the council have supplied high visibility vests to a group of active dog walkers, referred to as 'Dog Watch'.

These volunteers speak with other dog walkers and advise on dog fouling problems and encourage others to pick up after their pets. This community pressure is leading to a reduction in the amount of dog fouling.

From today, dog wardens will assist in patrolling the beaches, along with the lifeguards and beach officers, to try ensure that people comply with the requirements.

Seasonal dog restrictions also come into force at beaches from today (Friday).

The restrictions will continue until September 30.

Dog-owners found to be in breach of the ban risk a fine of £500.

Tenby North and Tenby Harbour and are subject to a total dog ban, while partial beach bans are in place at Tenby Castle beach; Tenby South beach; Saundersfoot beach and promenade.

There is also a partial dog restriction at Tenby Harbour promenade.

The ban is aimed at ensuring the safety and pleasure of the majority who wish to use the beaches for sunbathing and swimming or general seaside activities.