COMMUNITY-minded Henry Marshall is taking a lead when it comes to protecting his village from the effects of dog fouling.
Henry has been carrying out his own patrols of Findochty, cleaning up after dog owners who have failed to do so.
He has also been distributing leaflets, poo bags and posters around the village.
The retired rigger returned to the village a few years ago after a career in the fishing and oil industries.
A dog owner himself, Henry is determined to drive the message home that failing to clean up after your dog is unacceptable.
“I always lift it when I am out with my border terrier, and I can’t see why other people can’t do the same,” he said.
Mr Marshall admitted that it was only a minority of people who fail to clean up, but added that they could give the village a bad name.
“People should take pride in their village. We get a lot of holidaymakers as the season goes on, and there is nothing worse than seeing dog poo everywhere.
“A lot of people think when there is snow on the ground that it is okay to leave it. I always have poo bags in my pocket or in the car.”
Mr Marshall is a member of Findochty Community Council, and has been working with local community warden Andrew Mackie.
“The school children are also going to be producing posters so that they can inform their parents,” he said.
Andy Jamieson, Moray’s anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said that Mr Marshall is the kind of local champion the campaign needs to get the message across.
“This is exactly what we want to see – the community taking ownership of the campaign and tackling dog fouling,” he added.
Members of the public can report dog foulers by phoning 0800 5877197 or e-mailing antisocialbehaviour@moray.gov.uk
You can also download campaign posters on our website at www.northern-scot.co.uk
