CUMBRAE Community Council has vowed to tackle the growing dog fouling problem on the island.

The island-wide issue was raised by community councillor Dr Charlie Shaw, who says it is locals and not tourists responsible for the mess.

The problem has also been highlighted by chair Graham Wallace who says specialist enforcement officers are now needed.

He also believes an educational campaign involving local youngsters could be beneficial.

Dr Shaw said: “The increase in dog fouling is something that really annoys me - and we can’t blame it on tourists - it is island residents who are responsible.

“There is a real problem on George Street and Crawford Street and there are no signs up saying not picking up after your pet is an offence.

“I really despair of local people prepared to let their dogs poo everywhere and not clean it up.

“It is part and parcel of being a dog owner, I clean up after my dog every time and just don't understand why others don’t.”

Mr Wallace, pictured, says it is time for urgent action.

He added: “We brought over enforcement officers to the community council and had the reporting system explained to us.

“If anybody knows who is doing it then they need to give over the information and these people will come and take action.

“If we do have that knowledge, we need to pass it on and report it. If two or three people get fined then that will make people think a bit more about it.

“There are a lot of people who probably know who’s allowing their dogs to do these things. We will also have a think about campaign that involves youngsters on the island.”

Fellow community councillor Sharon Hagan believes that shaming residents who fail to clean up their mess is the most effective way to tackle the issue.

She added: “The problem with enforcement is being there at the time and catching somebody, that is where local knowledge comes in.

“In Largs residents put flags everywhere poo was left, and sometimes public shaming like that is the best way to go.

“Rather than putting up more signs, perhaps we could draw chalk on the pavement around them as part of a week-long campaign.

“That will stop the issue for a while and we would probably need to do it once or twice a year, but these kinds of things usually work."

Councillor Ian Murdoch says more enforcement is needed to halt the increasing problem.

He said: “It upsets me greatly that we have the ability to fine people £80 for dog fouling but it is hardly ever enforced.

“We all know that if you took action and fined people, it would go a long way to stopping this.”

North Ayrshire Council said: “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. You could receive a fixed penalty.”

To report dog fouling, go to www.online.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/OnlineServices/ReportOnline/RO_General.aspx?CustomerType=Anonymous&RequestType=DogFouling.