As part of a range of work aimed at improving quality of life, the Stornoway Community wardens have started issuing fixed penalty notices to owners who allow their dogs to foul in public places. A total of 8 notices have been issued to date, along with 34 verbal warnings and ten letters to owners who allow their dogs to roam.

The Comhairle receives around 50 complaints a year regarding dog fouling and over recent years has carried out an extensive poster and leaflet campaign to help inform people about the dangers of fouling and its antisocial aspects.

Environmental Services Chairman Angus Nicolson, said: “The Community Wardens would prefer not to have to issue fixed penalties but if people persist in not clearing up after their dogs they run the risk of incurring fines of £40 Most dog owners are responsible and there has been a marked improvement in the cleanliness of the town’s streets since the publicity campaign last year. However there are a few irresponsible owners who don’t clean up after their pets and still some people who let their dogs roam free. These animals are likely to be picked up and taken to the kennels which will cost the owners to get the dog back”.

The wardens work with all age groups and sectors of the community to try and tackle various forms of anti-social behaviour such as – derelict and abandoned cars, graffiti, litter, nuisance behaviour and noise pollution as well as assisting in developing positive attitudes towards the local environment through initiatives such as waste awareness and recycling.

Angus Nicolson said: “The wardens remit is far wider than dealing with dog fouling. They are also there to work with local residents, community organisations and agencies to create a safer, better quality of life for all”.

Meanwhile the Community Wardens working on the West side of Lewis are extending their service to all parts of Lewis and Harris. Like the Stornoway wardens they have a remit to improve the quality of life and deal with environmental problems as well as antisocial behaviour.

The Community Warden Programme started in November 2005 and is funded by the Scottish Executive as part of the national strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The Stornoway wardens can be contacted on 07798668133 or 07798668147. The wardens covering other areas in Lewis and Harris can be contacted by telephoning 860781

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk