It’s like a minefield trying to get a pram through some of the dog poo problem areas in Largs!
That was the feeling of one local mum in relation to the ongoing dog dirt problem which was highlighted by the ‘News’ once again, and continues to be a scourge to local communities.
We recently reported that there had been a rise of reports in social media concerning dog poo, particularly near children’s play areas, including sport facilities.
Problem areas in Fairlie and Millport were targeted by North Ayrshire Council with painted warnings on pavements, while there is an £80 fine against dog owners who do not pick up after their pets.
It was around ten years ago that the ‘No Poo on my Shoe’ campaign was set up in Largs by worried mums with prams, while there was also a spin-off in West Kilbride.
Readers have again taken to the Largs News Facebook page to highlight problem areas.
Mark Anderson said: “Brisbane Glen Road is terrible for dog poo. I would love to catch whoever these irresponsible and lazy pet owners are as they are not capable of having a dog.”
Largs resident May Boland pointed out more areas affected by the problem. She said: “Church Street and Clark Memorial grounds are popular cut through from prom to town. I spent time over Christmas and New Year washing pavement or phoning to warn family to be careful and not let grandchildren ride new toys etc through the dog mess in street.”
Diane Agnew pointed out: “The streets are definitely worse this year. I was talking about this earlier today. It’s like a minefield and even worse as I have a buggy and a toddler in tow. Trying to watch both his feet and the buggy wheels are nigh on impossible.”
Janice Rodger added: “It was in Skelmorlie too, and even during a walk in Largs, there was poo everywhere - it’s shocking.”
And Mark Lynch said: “As a dog owner there’s nothing worse than picking up your own dogs dirt only to stand on some other person’s dogs dirt!
“I have to admit Largs is bad for it and last year somebody continually let their dog foul outside my house next to the red bin for that exact purpose to the extent there was 17 big piles of it. Even after I put a sign up, it still continued. It’s the same people who don’t pick up each and every time. It is lazy and disgusting.”
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 information is available online via www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/resident/bins-litter-and-recycling/dog-fouling