Authorities in Shepton Mallet are stepping up efforts to tackle dog fouling across the town following a spike in complaints from residents.

The issue has been raised as a growing concern, with reports of pavements, parks and play areas being left in a mess. In response, local neighbourhood teams are working with partner agencies to encourage responsible pet ownership and keep public spaces clean.

"Dog fouling is a significant public nuisance that affects the look and feel of our shared spaces," said a spokesperson involved in the joint initiative. "It's important that dog owners clean up after their pets to help keep Shepton tidy and safe for everyone."

Leaflets and reminders are being distributed around the town, and those involved in the campaign say hotspot areas will be closely monitored.

Anyone who notices persistent problems is encouraged to report them through the appropriate local channels so the areas can be followed up.