Litterbugs and irresponsible dog owners face fines or court action under a new scheme.

Craven District Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority have started a pilot scheme in the Lower Wharfedale area to tackle some of the anti-social behaviour.

Under the scheme – believed to be the first of its kind in England – Yorkshire Dales Rangers Phil Richards and Richard Mainman will be trained to assist the Council’s Environmental Protection Team.

The Council has powers to issue fixed penalty notices of £75 to people who leave litter behind and £50 notices to dog owners who fail to clear up.

And offenders face fines of up to £2,500 and £1,000 respectively if they decide to ignore the notices and are taken to court. To complain about dog fouling or littering call the council’s environmental protection team on (01756) 706355.