A COUNCIL is taking legal action against a pet owner who is alleged to have not cleaned up after their dog.

They have refused to pay the £50 fine, Cherwell District Council said.

One other dog owner has been fined this year, and paid up.

Nearly 30 signs warning dog owners they could face fines have been put up in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington, and more will follow, the council said.

It said patrols have been stepped up and owners could face fines of up to £1,000. Earlier this year, street wardens were given powers to issue £50-75 fines for littering and dog fouling.

George Reynolds, Cherwell’s executive member for environment, recreation and health, 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.”

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

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