PEOPLE are being urged to help tackle a major dog fouling problem at a popular seaside resort.

Hartlepool Borough Council is asking residents and visitors to Seaton Carew to report anyone who they spot failing to clean up after their dogs.

The move follows numerous incidents of dog fouling on grass behind the clock tower, between the Rocket House car park and the coach park – an area that has recently been improved.

A council spokesman said: “There are several areas of grass behind the clock tower and the problem of dog fouling is rife on all of them.

“Strangely, the actual promenade in this area seems clear and that makes us think that someone is deliberately using the grass as a dog toilet.

“It is such a shame that this is happening as the area has recently been landscaped as part of the recently-completed sea defence improvements and usually looks really nice.

“The council’s annual fireworks display is also due to be staged in this area on November 5. It always attracts thousands of visitors and we want to try to resolve this issue before then.”

Council enforcement officers are monitoring the area, but they are also asking people with any information to call 01429-523333.

The spokesman added: “To enable us to deal with this problem we need specific information, including a name or names of dog owners, an address, the registration details of any vehicle or a detailed description of the dog.

“We treat all calls in the strictest confidence. We do need callers to give us their details as we cannot act on anonymous information for legal reasons. We would, however, reassure people that we would never in any circumstances release their details.”