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Scotland's very own ISP |
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Save our Soles |
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STEPS are being taken to save soles in Fife as part of a major investment in the environment by Fife Council. |
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The council has earmarked £120,000 across the Kingdom for up to 300 additional dog waste bins and extra bio-degradable poop-scoop bags which will be available from dispensers in popular dog walking areas and from dog food retailers. |
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There will also be signs warning dog owners to clean up after their pets, specialist machines to remove dog mess from grassy public areas and three temporary members of staff to promote the Dog Control policy. |
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The cash has come from a £6.2million additional allocation from the Scottish Executive due to an underspend in the local authority budget. Projects in the programme are designed to help young people make healthier choices, protect the environment and address community concerns. |
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Environmental Services will decide shortly how the investment in dog control measures will be divided between Fife’s three areas. |
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The council’s Environment Spokesperson Councillor Bill Kay said: “This is an issue not just about badly trained dogs, but also badly trained owners. |
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“We hope the measures in place will persuade people how easy it is to clean up after their pets and improve the environment for everyone. |
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“However, I want to remind the hard core of selfish people who allow their dogs to make a disgusting mess of our public places they are committing a criminal offence and are at very real risk of a fine.” |
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The measures were also considered recently by the council’s East Area Services Committee. Chair Councillor Andrew Arbuckle: “As every councillor knows, the mess and health risks caused by dog fouling are one of the greatest causes of concern for our communities. |
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“The availability of free poop scoop bags has persuaded a growing number of dog owners to be responsible. |
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“However, there is still a hard-core of pet owners, not least in East Area, who feel it is acceptable to allow their dogs to foul public places and cause misery for everyone else. |
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“I hope the availability of the extra bags and bins will persuade everyone to clean up after their pet and, together with the resources which are being invested in the environment by the council, make the Kingdom a cleaner and more pleasant place for everyone.” |
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