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A crack down on dog fouling led to Shepway council staff collecting more than 70 bags of dog waste in a clean-up operation.

Forty of the bags were collected at the Radnor Park dog exercise area, where pet owners have been ignoring signs asking them to clear up dog mess.

Owners have been warned they can face a fine of up to £1,000 for refusing to clear up after their dogs.

Dog warden Karyl Rimmer said: "This is a dog exercise area not a dog toilet."

She added: "There signs asking dog owners to clear up, but these are being ignored.

"As well as being totally irresponsible, it's not fair on dogs who don't like playing in a dirty exercise area."

Other areas targeted in the clean-up included the beach in front of the Lower Leas Coastal Park and the park itself.

No dog waste was found on the beach, but the other 30 bags were collected along the promenade and in the park.

The initiative was the first in a series of targeted clean-ups across the district.