A COUNCIL is preparing to take its first pet owner to court for refusing to clean up after their dog.

Cherwell District Council fined two people this year for failing to clear up excrement after their dogs fouled in the street.

One has already paid the £50 fine and a second has so far refused.

The legal move comes as bright yellow surveillance signs have started popping up in streets across Cherwell as part of tough new measures by the council.

So far 28 signs have been put up in streets in Banbury, as well as Bicester and Kidlington, after complaints from residents about dog fouling.

Each sign warns dog owners that Cherwell District Council’s enforcement officers will be mounting extra patrols the area and if their pets are caught flouting rules, owners could face a fine of up to £1,000.

Earlier this year street wardens were given powers to issue fines for littering and dog fouling.

They can issue fixed penalties – from £50 to £75 – to litterbugs and dog owners who fail to scoop up their animal’s mess.

George Reynolds, Cherwell’s environment, recreation and health chief, said the issue of dog mess was top of the residents’ list of complaints.

He said: “Dealing with dog fouling and litter are the two things which always top the list when we ask residents for their priorities.

“Not only is dog mess unsightly, it can also be extremely dangerous, especially for young children, so we take a no-tolerance approach.

“Anyone who sees one of these signs and still fails to clear up after their dog is just showing their contempt for those who live and work in the area.”

In Banbury, signs have already gone up in Queensway and Kings Road. In Bicester, seven areas have been targeted and five in Kidlington.

Villages, including Fritwell, Adderbury, Epwell, Hethe and Horton-cum-Studley, also requested signs.

Since January 2010, eight people have been taken to court for littering and a total of 93 fines have been issued, amounting to £4,805.

Cherwell confirmed legal action was pending against one person who had failed to pay their fine.