DOG owners who don't clean up their pets' muck in Upton are being "cracked down" on.

Since December, a new bin has been placed at The Hill Centre and one owner has been fined, as the playing fields at the community centre continue to be fouled on- despite a new bin and signage forbidding it being erected, and free gloves to pick up muck are on offer too.

With these deterrents being ignored, Malvern Hills District Council has stated it will pay "particular attention" to the fields, which are used by children for kids' clubs and football matches.

Abby Hanley, Community Centre Manager, said: "We have a problem with dog mess, and are working with the district council to tackle it.

"We have a kids' club, and football teams use the pitch and green space too, so it must stop. It's dangerous as they could pick up diseases from it.

"It won't be tolerated and we are coming down on it."

A fine of £50 for the offence was imposed in December, and more will be too if offenders are caught.

Gordon Morris, Street Scene Manager, at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “If we receive accurate information that someone is regularly not clearing up after their dogs we will do something about it.

"The team will be paying particular attention to the sports field’s in Upton and Malvern where dog fouling is a problem.”

Mayor of Upton Peter Webb says as there are gloves that can be collected from The Memorial Hall, and dog muck can be put in any bins, there is "no excuse" to leave the mess.

He said: "There's no excuse as Upton Town Council has taken measures to tackle this problem.

"There are free dog bags available, and dog mess can be put into any bin in the town."

Malvern Hills District Councillor, Roger Cousins, says he too will be working towards tackling the problem, which is also evident in Welland.

Cllr Cousins said: "There are two football teams that play on the Upton pitches, one of which I manage.

"In one recent fixture, we had to move five lots of dog muck before playing on it. It's irresponsible and is happening on the fields in Welland too.

"It's disgusting and pure laziness. If you have a dog, then clean up after it.

"There are gloves to pick up after your dog available in both Upton and Welland so there's no excuse.

"It won't be tolerated, and fines will be imposed in Welland as well as Upton if people are caught doing it. We are cracking down on it."