NEWPORT council could create designated dog-walking areas to help combat the problem of dog fouling in its parks.

Other ideas being considered by the authority include giving park wardens the power to issue fixedpenalty notices to owners who do not clear up after their pets, as well as better publicising the arrangements for collection and disposal of dog waste in parks to ensure it is dealt with properly.

The proposals were put forward by a council overview and scrutiny forum to raise awareness of the health risk dog faeces can pose to the public and council staff following a review of the problem earlier this year.

A report to councillors says the creation of designated dog-walking areas within existing parks and open spaces could help, but warned it could place pressure on the authority’s resources.

It highlights that if the proposal was supported all of the city’s 590 hectares of park land, which also includes canal paths, sports grounds and play grounds, would need to be assessed before signs, fencing, gates and staff could be installed.

The report continues that if trained properly rangers in the city’s three main parks at Belle Vue, Tredegar House and Beechwood could be the first to gain newpowers to fine offending dog walkers.

The proposals will now be looked at by Councillor Mike Hamilton, cabinet member for leisure and culture, and Cllr David Fouweather, cabinet member for street services.

They can either accept one or more of the proposals or ask the working group to look at the matter again.

Either way, no changes are likely to come into force until the 2012/13 financial year.