Lazy owner dog owners were warned they are being watched as the latest Stamp Out Poo campaign began.

The Braintree Council project, which encourages volunteers to report dog fouling, was rolled out to Great Notley on Friday. The campaign, which uses graphic posters, was first used on the Flitch Way and saw the number of dog poo piles drop by 73 per cent.

Great Notley residents had called for something to be done after becoming fed up with the amount of mess on the footpaths in the village.

The parish council is even considering painting the piles pink and printing pictures of dogs doing their business in a bid to quash the problem.

Friday’s event saw the Braintree Council’s dog wardens telling residents how they could support the campaign, and also included free micro-chipping by the Dogs Trust.

Vicki Greenwood, community manager of the Love Your Doorstep website and Facebook group, said: “Love Your Doorstep currently has around 1,700 followers which is a massive force when it comes to spotting dog fouling offenders.

“It is only a small number of irresponsible owners who spoil the area for others.

“If you love your dog, you should respect your doorstep.”

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for place, said: “We have seen from the results of the Flitch Way that a strong community spirit and sense of pride in where you live creates peer pressure to change behaviour, which in turn brings success.”