Concerns have been raised about dog fouling becoming a significant problem in the town, with Cold Overton Road, Burley Road and Ashwell among the dirty hotspots highlighted.

Rutland County Council dog warden Barry Briggs is stepping up patrols and he has warned dog owners to clean up - or face an on-the-spot £50 fine.

If people fail to pay the fine they face a court appearance and a potential penalty of £1,000.

Mr Briggs said: "This is an ongoing problem that most authorities face but the problem has been highlighted that there are irresponsible dog owners in the area."

According to Mr Briggs, the problem may have been exacerbated by the recent spate of bad weather.

He said a large number of dog owners had chosen to walk their pets in the town centre and residential areas rather than in the countryside, making the problem of dog mess easier to identify and brought to the authority's attention.

Mr Briggs added: "Our message to dog owners is to be responsible.

"We are carrying out extra patrols and will not hesitate with enforcement action."

Mr Briggs said while many dog owners might recognise him, he had a team of assistants out and about to help the bid to clean up Oakham's pavements.

Residents from Burley Road and Ladywell in Oakham have contacted Rutland county councillor Gene Plews (Con) about the issue of dog fouling affecting their surroundings.

Coun Plews said every effort was being made to tackle the problem. He said: "A number of people have contacted me to say they are fed up with dog fouling and I have passed on the concerns to our dog warden.

"I would reiterate that people must stop and clear up after their dogs if they make a mess."

In a letter published in this week's Times, Oakham town councillor Joyce Lucas also felt compelled to register her disgust with irresponsible dog owners.

She has drawn attention to Cold Overton Road, Cold Overton Hill, Royce's Recreational Ground, Church Street, South Street and Market Place as being badly hit.

Writing to the paper, she said: "Today I encountered the disgusting piles in Church Street, South Street and outside the Post Office. Volunteer gardeners and the grass cutting men have to contend with the filthy stuff.

"I could go on about other areas but suffice to say that it is only a small minority of dog owners which are spoiling it for the majority."

Coun Lucas said she would like to see more dog wardens in the county in order to tackle the problem.

In concluding, she said: "What we need is a few prosecutions as a deterrent. Failure to clean up dog fouling is an offence. Let's name and shame."