Neighbourhood wardens have been granted powers to fine litterers and dog owners who do not clear their pet’s mess.

The 22 wardens, who are based in and around Croydon’s main housing estates, will be able to issue £75 fines to people caught turning a blind eye to their dog’s mess or littering.

The group, who work in Waddon, Ashburton, Selhurst, Bensham Manor, South Norwood, Upper Norwood, Thornton Heath, Fieldway, New Addington, Monks Hill and Shirley have also begun mentoring 11 new volunteers to the service.

Councillor Dudley Mead, cabinet member for housing, said: “The warden service has been a real success story. This team do a huge amount to keep anti-social behaviour to a minimum, and as a result people’s lives are made far more enjoyable.”

Introduced nearly 10 years ago wardens will also be on the look out for dog owners allowing their animals off a lead, have more than four dogs under their control or have let their animal enter an exclusion area such as a children’s playground.

Warden manager, Gibson Chilumbi, said: “Our team aren’t just here to tell people off – wardens spend a lot of their time getting involved in local projects – or simply talking to local people. They are a valuable part of the communities that they work in, and residents really value them.”