EXTRA patrols are being organised to try to catch out irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

Dog fouling in Colchester Cemetery on Mersea Road is on the increase.

Owners already face a £50 fixed penalty notice under a borough-wide public space protection order which was introduced last October.

But Colchester Council has decided to step up the presence of zone wardens and add more signs to try to deter people not clearing up their dog’s mess.

Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for customers Beverley Oxford (Highwoods Independents) said: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work, care and compassion which goes into maintaining our historic cemetery as a haven of peace and tranquillity for everyone who has loved ones resting there.

“Neglecting to clear up after your dog is anti-social in any environment or context, but in a cemetery it is also extremely disrespectful.

“Extra patrols will now be carried out to zone wardens in a bid to remind dog owners to act responsibly."

Mrs Oxford added: “I hope the extra patrols and increased vigilance of our zone wardens will provide a sufficient deterrent to those irresponsible dog-owners whose actions end up spoiling other people’s experience of the cemetery.”