See it, report it '“ and help clean up Fife town's streets

Fed-up Burntisland residents are being urged to report dog owners not picking up after their pets in a bid to clean up the town's streets.
Scott Sweaton and his sons Lochlan (12), Reid (7) and Connal (4) with John Bruce, Andy Smith and Gordon McLauchlan from the community council and Ben Barron from the Burntisland Community Devlopment Trust, campaigning for cleaner streets. Pics by George McLuskie.Scott Sweaton and his sons Lochlan (12), Reid (7) and Connal (4) with John Bruce, Andy Smith and Gordon McLauchlan from the community council and Ben Barron from the Burntisland Community Devlopment Trust, campaigning for cleaner streets. Pics by George McLuskie.
Scott Sweaton and his sons Lochlan (12), Reid (7) and Connal (4) with John Bruce, Andy Smith and Gordon McLauchlan from the community council and Ben Barron from the Burntisland Community Devlopment Trust, campaigning for cleaner streets. Pics by George McLuskie.

Safer Communities officers say that the early dark nights and mornings of winter are partly to blame for an increase in complaints – with 11 reports in the first few weeks of the year compared to 13 for the whole year in 2017.

And they are urging anyone who spots someone breaking the law to email them so they can tackle particular problem areas.

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Scott Sweaton, chairman of Floral Action Burntisland, and father-of-three started a huge debate when he took to social media to voice his anger at the problem, attracting over 200 comments.

Conall Sweaton (4), and his four-legged friends urge people in Burntisland to pick up after their petsConall Sweaton (4), and his four-legged friends urge people in Burntisland to pick up after their pets
Conall Sweaton (4), and his four-legged friends urge people in Burntisland to pick up after their pets

“Myself and my wife took the boys out for a walk around the town and part of the Coastal Path and both the youngest and eldest ended up with dog poo all over their shoes and up their trouser legs, it was disgusting,” he said.

Another mum-of-three who did not wish to be named, told the Press: “From Glebe Place right up to the school is covered most days. All grassy areas including the Links are covered, and it seems to happen mostly at night.

“I’ve seen a particular gentleman walk his dog every day for a week and not once pick up after it.

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“Children have gone blind because of dog dirt, and I am really worried for my children. This is becoming a serous problem.”

John Bruce, environment spokesman on the Community Council said it was a constant problem which had become worse recently.

“It’s not just the parks and beaches, but along the pavements in every housing estate.

“The Community Council has worked hard to stop this – we’ve had the Pick n’ Fix project, supported the Just Bin It campaign and worked with Safer Communities asking for mobile CCTV cameras for problem areas.

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“We need the whole community to be vigilant and report these irresponsible owners.”

Dawn Jamieson, team manager with Safer Communities, said: “We have 34 officers in Fife working three shift patterns.

“Anyone with information can email [email protected].”

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