Kids urge dog owners to clean up and '˜Keep Milngavie Blooming'

A banner to discourage dog fouling at flower beds maintained by Milngavie in Bloom - designed by pupils at the school - has been unveiled.

The local volunteer group that keeps Milngavie tidy as well as planting flowers has noticed an unsavoury trend as more and more dog owners are allowing their pets to foul on and around the flower bed at the start of the West Highland Way without clearing up.

This is despite the fact that dog owners who fail to ‘pick up the poo’ can be issued with a £80 Fixed Penalty Notice (increasing to £100 if not paid within 28 days) by the council’s community wardens.

The group approached the council’s community protection team to see what could be done to highlight the problem and discourage it. The team got local school pupils involved and the result is a 6ft banner being displayed at the offending spot.

East Dunbartonshire Council leader, Rhondda Geekie said: “We know that dog fouling is a persistent problem and one that is a scourge for communities. While we do what we can to educate dog owners, provide free poop scoops, install bins and signs and fine offenders who are caught, some people continue to have no regard for the environment and others who are trying to enjoy it.

“These flower beds are a perfect example of something that is attractive and what we want to see in our area but yet they are not being treated properly. We have increased patrols and hopefully the banner and resulting publicity will have the desired effect.”

Douglas Cameron, the Chairman of Milngavie in Bloom, added: “Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to foul in the newly planted beds are spoiling these improvements for everyone who uses the path. We are delighted that the council has recognised the importance of our work on this project and hope that the banner will have the desired effect.”

The striking banner, with the message ‘Keep Milngavie Blooming’, was designed by Jude McMahon and Jack Docherty who are both in P7 at nearby St Joseph’s Primary School.

You can report a dog fouling problem online at www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call the Community Protection Team on 0300 123 4510 for more information.