A new environmental project in Fife is aiming to ensure dog walkers have absolutely no excuse not to clean up after their pets.
Fife Council has confirmed it plans to install 35 free dog bag dispensers along popular walking routes and in recreation areas and parks across the region amid ongoing concerns about dog fouling.
The issue is one of the most complained about matters dealt with by the local authority, although stretched resources often mean it is difficult to catch the culprits who continually flout the law.
Now though, council officials hope the forthcoming initiative will go a long way towards curbing the Kingdom’s dog mess problem.
The council has revealed a tie-up with Tikspac UK, which will supply biodegradable bags at the new dog bag stations, while local businesses are currently being sought to have their advertisements emblazoned on the dispensers.
All of that means there will be no cost to Fife Council or taxpayers for the initiative, and Stephen Duffy, the council’s parks, streets and open spaces team manager, believes it is a step in the right direction.
He said: “Tikspac provide the dispensers and an unlimited supply of bags. All staff are required to do is re-fill the dispensers on a regular basis.
“The costs for the dispensers and bags are covered through sponsorship/advertising on small notice boards which are attached to the dispensers.
“Tikspac are currently seeking sponsorship of the dispensers from local companies.”
Mr Duffy confirmed that 35 dispensers in all will be installed in major public parks, adding: “The problem of dog fouling is a concern throughout Fife.
“It is not only a nuisance but also a potential danger and health threat.
“We are committed to promoting responsible dog ownership and reducing dog fouling.
“This is one of the ways that we are encouraging people to ‘bag it and bin it’.”
Dunfermline’s Pittencrieff Park is expected to have four stations installed, with three planned for Riverside Park in Glenrothes, Aberdour Silver Sands, Rosyth Park and Kirkcaldy’s Beveridge Park.
Two dispensers are proposed for both Ravenscraig Park and Dunnikier Park in Kirkcaldy, and also Thornton’s Memorial Park, while stations are also envisioned for Craigtoun Park in St Andrews, Duffus Park and Haugh Park in Cupar, Bankie Park in Anstruther, Wateredge Park in Newburgh, Tayport Common, Leven Promenade and Letham Glen, Denhead woodland walk, Cowdenbeath public park, Blairadam public park, Lochgelly public park and Wallsgreen Park in Cardenden.
Tikspac stations are made of steel and will dispense 100% biodegradeable waste bags which are free to the general public and can not only be used for dog waste but can be used for any kind of litter.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Statistics show a 50% decrease in complaints to the council and a 60% increase in cleaner streets overall (i.e. not just dog fouling) as a direct result of Tikspac stations being implemented.”
