Largs Community Council has persuaded North Ayrshire Council to look at technology to clean up the town’s dog mess problem.

Patricia Perman had asked the community council to write to NAC asking it to look at machines such as FIDO (Faeces Intake Disposal Operation) which has been put into action in towns up and down the country.

Now NAC’s director of place, Craig Hatton, has confirmed that they are willing to look at the possibility, having unsuccessfully trialed machines in the past.

A number of different machines are available to tackle the dog mess issue. Each one is based on a vacuum cleaner style suction system ranging from backpack mounted systems to more elaborate ‘golf cart’ type machines.

In a letter to the community council, Mr Hatton explained that the previous machines had been difficult and expensive to maintain.

However, he added that there were now a range of ‘second generation’ units which may fit the bill.

One of those suggested is the Cub 120 - basically a powerful vacuum intake which can be attached to a wheelie bin capable of holding 120 litres of faeces.

There is a significant cost difference between the larger FIDO vehicle which can cost upwards of £20,000 compared to the £1,300 Cub 120. Mr Hatton said that the council would follow up the community council’s request and bring in equipment for a demonstration, to determine whether the previous problems had been overcome and it was a viable option.

Community council chair Douglas Blair welcomed NAC’s ‘positive’ response.