Councillors have invested hundreds of pounds into biodegradable bags to clamp down on dog fouling in parks.

Eight hundred free bags have been fitted in small dispensers in Callowland Recreation Ground and Orchard Park in North Watford.

Callowland member Dennis Watling came up with the idea after spotting a similar scheme during a visit to Margate in Kent.

The Labour politician said: "Any dog owner will agree that when they need to go, they need to go. But dog fouling has been high up the agenda from residents.

"Ridge Street, Leavesden Road and Gammons Lane are often littered with dog mess. It was one of my flagship promises to residents and I am keen to see what impact it will have on the area."

Funding of £524 from locality budgets has been used by ward councillors in Leggatts.

Cllr Asif Khan, who spearheaded the initiative in Leggatts, added: "Often residents have complained about dog mess in the area and I hope dog owners use these bags to clear up after them. It will allow street cleaners to focus their attention away from needless dog fouling and onto the never-ending fly-tipping across Watford.

"I'd like to thank council officers for their support in putting this idea into practice."