A dog owner has praised Colchester Council's use of video cameras to catch inconsiderate dog walkers.

Kenneth Root was taking his greyhound Elle for a walk off Maldon Road, near Chestnut Field, when he was asked to pay up when an enforcement officer claimed he had failed to clean up after his pooch.

Mr Root, 62, of Bailey Dale, Stanway, said: "I always carry a bag with me but this time I forgot and as I was going back to the car park he approached me and told me."

Mr Root says he was ready to pay a fixed penalty but video evidence he was shown revealed eight-year-old Elle was not responsible for the mess and he escaped a fine.

Mr Root praised the council for its direct approach and said: "I think its an excellent idea and the council are right to do it. If people know that the council are there then they will be more conscientious and take a bag," he added.

Colchester's environmental control manager Colin Daines said national legislation aimed at making dog owners clean up after their dogs is being actively pursued by the council and is proving more effective than past bylaws.

He added: "Ninety-nine per cent of dog owners are positive about it, but a few still fail to clean up - specially near schools," he added.

Dog owners spotted by an enforcement officer will be given a fixed penalty fine of £25 and a period of time to pay up and could face a maximum fine of £1,000.

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