A FORMER Monmouthshire resident was fined £200 and ordered to pay a further £300 in costs after failing to pick up when her dog fouled a playing field used by Magor Primary School.

Christina Thomas, formerly of Withy Close, Magor, appeared before Cwmbran Magistrates on February 10. She had been issued with a £75 fixed penalty notice by Monmouthshire’s environmental health team for the offence, which happened in April, but when she failed to pay the council took legal proceedings.

Councillor Giles Howard, cabinet member for regulatory services, said: “Dog fouling is consistently raised by residents as unpleasant and a risk to public health. The fine clearly reflects that concern, particularly since this occurred in a field specifically used for children’s play. “ The council will shortly pilot a ‘Give Dog Fouling the Red Card’ campaign in Monmouthshire’s Severnside area and will work in partnership with community councils to raise awareness around the issues of fouling and the penalties for not disposing of dog faeces properly.