HALTWHISTLE has a problem with dog mess, town councillors have claimed.

The issue came up at Haltwhistle Town Council’s January meeting, following complaints from residents about dog mess on the road to Kilfrost Bridge and the Alston Arches.

Chairman of the council, Coun. Alan Sharp, said: “I’m trying to think of a solution to this problem, because we do have a problem.

“It’s people with dogs who won’t pick up. Until people get tickets I think people will continue to let dogs foul and it’s going to be a continuous problem.”

However, Coun. Michael Ridley downplayed the problem.

“We’re not top of the league by any stretch,” said Coun. Ridley. “We have a problem, but we’re not the worst.”

Councillors agreed to write to Northumberland County Council and ask for the dog warden to come to the town more often, in a bid to deter the culprits in the future.

Failing to clean up dog mess can lead to a £100 fine. If payment is not received within 14 days the offender be prosecuted, and could face a court appearance, with a maximum penalty of £1,000.

Coun. Sharp added: “I think we should write to the dog warden and say we have a problem.”

Councillors suggested the dog warden should be asked to patrol the town in the early hours of the morning.