A BARRHEAD resident is urging the council to find a solution to clean up the “embarrassing” amount of dog fouling in the town.

Simon Carr, 36, claims the problem has become so widespread it is now a health hazard.

So much so, he refuses to take his 16-month-old daughter Rose out for a walk in the town centre.

After flagging several instances up to East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) using its online dog mess reporting form, Simon was disheartened when nothing was done to clear the areas he had singled out.

Simon, who works as a lecturer, contacted The News in a bid to draw attention to an issue he feels is damaging the image of his hometown.

Two weeks ago he counted 13 separate instances of dog fouling in one street alone.

“I would say definitely over the last three years it’s got worse,” Simon said.

“Nothing’s being done about it. People maybe get the message that it’s okay – it’s a bit of a vicious circle.

“The embarrassing state of the town’s pavements will not only be affecting the footfall in local businesses by putting off local residents and visitors from shopping here, but it also presents a threat to health.

“You can understand why people turn to out-of-town shopping centres like Silverburn because you don’t have to keep watching your feet for dog dirt. Barrhead is becoming a bit of a slalom.

“I was hopeful something would happen but there’s been no publicity. There’s no evidence of cautionary notices or signs.”

He continued: “I am the father of a 16-month-old daughter who’s just started walking, however, I am loathe to let her walk in the streets of her hometown, which disappoints me greatly.

“I dread to think how much dog excrement will be present in our house in spite of our ‘shoes off at the door’ policy.

“It’s becoming a depressing feature of life. I’m really proud to come from Barrhead, I’ve lived here most of my life, but I’m really disappointed I can’t take my daughter out for a walk.”

Last year The News revealed ERC was set to introduce tougher measures to tackle dog fouling.

Fines for dog owners who allow their pets to foul in public and fail to clean up afterwards doubled to £80.

That can even increase to £100 if the amount outstanding is not paid within 28 days.

However, Simon is adamant that the rules do not act as enough of a deterrent.

He now makes a point of thanking dog walkers who pick up after their pet due to the abundance of dog fouling in the town.

Although he highlighted Cross Arthurlie Street as a particular hotspot, Simon believes ERC is not devoting enough attention to any of Barrhead’s pavements.

When asked what changes he would like to see made, Simon said a rethink was required to make the most of council’s online reporting mechanism.

He said: “The current approach is just not working. ERC should definitely be challenging people about it.

“It’s definitely a good feature, but I was quickly disappointed when nothing seemed to happen with it.

“There was no acknowledgement of me having submitted the report and the offending waste was left there until it was washed away.”

Simon added: “There are hi-tech and lo-tech solutions at hand. It could be a team going about with a bucket and a pale. They don’t even need to do it that often. It could be done once a week.

“That would at least be something. It’s just sad to see it happening in the heart of the town.”

Dozens of Barrhead residents have voiced their anger over dog fouling in recent weeks.

A post on ERC’s Facebook page flagging up an incident outside the town’s Lidl received over 50 replies and comments from concerned users.

In her original post, Dawn O’Henley Smith wrote: “What is going to be done about the massive problem within Barrhead with regards dog fouling both on pavements and roads? As a parent of three children I am sick and tired of having to clean the children up after walking in this.”

Facebook user Eleanor Forbes shared the same viewpoint and said: “Cross Arthurlie primary has been disgusting recently, stretching the full length of the front railings and the mess has been so bad the children can’t avoid it and step through it.

“It was reported to both school and council, the council cleaned partially although still left a considerable amount of dogs’ dirt lying. Barrhead pavements are disgusting and dog owners should be ashamed.”

While Annie Bee replied: “I’m sick of getting dog poo stuck in the wheels of my pram. It’s guaranteed to happen anytime I take the pram out for a walk down to the Main Street or go to the park with the kids.”

A spokesman for ERC said: “While the majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets, a small minority choose not to do the right thing. 

“We have a zero tolerance approach to dog fouling across East Renfrewshire and our wardens work hard to enforce these standards.

“Following recent reports of dog fouling in Barrhead our wardens have been out this week targeting priority areas. 

“Our dog fouling fines have also doubled to £80 in an effort to act as a greater deterrent for irresponsible owners. 

“We urge residents to report any incidents of dog fouling by calling our 24-hour ring and report line on 0800 013 0076 or going online at www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/dogs.”