The ongoing issue of dog's dirt continues to be a scourge to communities with complaints on social media arising in Largs, Skelmorlie and Fairlie.

And alarmingly, there has been a rise of reports of dog poo in the vicinity of children's play areas and sports areas.

A local runner was dismayed to encounter the problem on Christmas Day, along the footpath by Largs Marina (coming from Fairlie direction), as well as other areas including  Noddleburn Walk, and Scott swing park.

Likewise, new signage is going up around the multi sports playing area in Fairlie after reported problems near the swing park.

And in Skelmorlie, the issue continues to cause concerns. A resident said: "I am sick of the problem on Innes Park Road and on the grass area."

The 'News' recently reported on concerns regarding the availability of dog poo bags in the area, with only the library hosting the bags, but it is only open during a limited time throughout the week (Tuesday 1-6.30pm; Thursdays 10am-4pm; Fridays 1pm-5pm)

Last year, a number of painted warnings were placed in a number of problem areas in Fairlie and Millport after reported issues.

Police Scotland and authorised council officers can prosecute people who are responsible for a dog and do not clean up after it once it has fouled in a public place. Responsibility includes children under the age of 16. A fixed penalty of £80 can be issued.

Failure to remove the waste after being issued with a fixed penalty can result in a bill for disposal. Failure to pay fixed penalties can result in action by Sheriff Officers or the Procurator Fiscal.

Further details on dog poo bags, and how to report dog fouling, are available online via www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/resident/bins-litter-and-recycling/dog-fouling