DOG owners have still not cleaned up their act more than a month after they were warned they could face fines.

At the beginning of December pet owners were warned they were facing a crackdown if they continued to allow their animals to foul Dart­mouth town centre pavements.

But this week it was revealed that street cleaners are still clearing up dog faeces left in some of the most prominent tourist hotspots in the town.

Last week, the cleaner ended up picking up dog poo in 19 different locations around the town – included the riverside embankments and Bayard's Cove.

And there is still a problem along Victoria Road which was the focus of the December warning from the town council.

Town councillor Roger Chilcott warned: 'Dog owners are still being irresponsible and unneighbourly.'

And he launched a fresh appeal for pet owners to clean up after their animals and for residents to report any that do not.

He warned that if they continue to ignore the warning, the town council could be forced to bring in the South Hams Council dog warden – which could end up with dog owners being fined or even being taken to court.

In December, the concerns had been centred on Victoria Road and even on the town council's own doorstep – the pavement outside the Guildhall.

He pointed out then: 'Should it be necessary to remind owners that it is not only illegal but also unneighbourly and totally thoughtless?

'Residents should be aware that it can also spread disease.'

And he warned: 'If nothing has improved in the new year, we will have to think about what we should do next.'

This week he said the problem appeared to be getting worse, as he asked: 'Will people, if they know who is responsible, report it?'

He said he believed people were out walking their dogs in the early morning or at night who were simply leaving their animal's mess behind for other people to walk through or clean up.

He said the problem could also have an impact on the town's vital tourist trade, with the mess left in some of the areas most frequented by visitors.

'If visitors come to the town they may well take one look at that and think twice about coming back,' he warned.