Kicking up a stink at dog mess

David McHugh told the Herald he is fed up of dodging the dog poo on a footpath at Craighead Primary and is concerned for the health of the young pupils.

He is calling on East Dunbartonshire Council to clean up the place and catch the culprits responsible.

He said: “The place is just a mess. It’s horrendous. You cannot walk on the footpath without stepping on the dog mess.

“There is no other way to reach the school. My grandson Gregor is just five-years-old. I pick him up every day at lunchtime from school. I am worried for his health and the health of the other pupils.”

Mr McHugh of Valleyfield added he is particularly angry as there are bins nearby for dog owners to use.

He said: “There are plenty of notices up encouraging people to bin their dog’s mess responsibly. They are all to no avail.”

By the time community wardens visited the area, the mess had been cleaned up but a council spokeswoman said she was aware it had been a concern for parents.

Evonne Bauer, community protection manager said: “Community wardens visited the area last Tuesday afternoon, when we became aware of the complaint.

“The wardens found no dog mess on any of the footpaths leading to and from the school. While there, they also placed extra “No Dog Fouling” signs in the area and noted that there was plenty of dual purpose bins available.

“Over the next few weeks we will be carrying out a series of action plans across East Dunbartonshire and anyone found not picking up after their dog will be issued with a fixed penalty notice which carries a fine of £40.”