STREET cleaners are all revved up to tackle the problem of dog dirt.

Council chiefs have introduced a special vacuum cleaner.

The "Pooper Scooter" will be used to clean up the mess left by dogs on 12 estates in the borough.

It clean up paved and grassed areas by vacuuming the mess away.

Council chiefs decided to buy the machine and take action over the problem after dog fouling and dog control was identified as a major issue for residents through the Local Community Planning process.

The Pooper Scooter will co-ordinate the work of the dog wardens and enforcement officer.

Cllr Noel Spencer, Bolton Council's executive member for housing said: "Local Community Planning is a major corporate initiative taking place on 12 estates across the borough.

"The process is fed by and influenced through local people who live and work on our target estates.

"It is part of a wider environmental initiative undertaken through LCP as a response to community identified issues.

"Dog fouling is a major problem and it is heartening to see the council respond to these concerns in a real and practical way.

"A total of £45,000 has been spent on this project and if it deals with the problem, then it is money well spent.

"People living on the estates can influence service delivery by joining local community panels and ensuring they have their say about what happens in their community."

The 12 estates are Deane, Hall i'th'Wood, Johnson Fold, Leverhulme, New Bury, New Lane, Oldhams, Paulhan Street area, Hulton Lane, Oxford Grove, Tonge Moor and Withins.

The clean-up is part of a wider initiative which includes youth work, a neighbourhood warden scheme and a drugs project across target estates.

Residents needing action to clean up dog mess can reach the service by ringing 01204 336926.