DOG mess at Ardrossan Marina is a serious problem and could put off families visiting the area, according to a local pensioner.

The resident of Dockers Gardens says that the problem has got worse over the seven years she has lived in her flat.

She told the Herald: “The dog poo in the area and all round the marina is just disgusting. It’s that bad – there must be about 50 or 60 poos on the grass and the pathway. It doesn’t look very nice for the area when visitors come in the summer with their kids. It’s absolutely terrible and it’s time something was done about it. 

“It’s just got gradually worse. And it’s not just wee dogs, it’s big dogs as well. There are bins all round the marina so there’s no excuse. I always lift up after my dogs. 

“It’s worse in the dark nights because you can’t see the same. When I have to take my wee dog out at night I’m out with the torch so I can see where I’m standing, otherwise I’d end up trailing it all into the flat.”

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Place, said that North Ayrshire Council takes the issue of dog fouling very seriously.

He added: “That is why we launched our Litter, Fly-tipping and Dog Fouling Prevention Strategy in 2014 to make North Ayrshire tidier, cleaner and more attractive for both local residents and visitors.

“Up until recently, the focus has been on Educating and Enabling through the provision of litter and dog waste bins. However, with the recent introduction of our Environmental Enforcement Team, we are cracking down on those who needlessly litter our communities with rubbish and dog waste.

“The team have already identified ‘hot spots’ across North Ayrshire - issuing a number of fixed penalty notices to irresponsible dog owners - and will continue working with all our communities to make the areas they live and work in as tidy and attractive as possible. We will monitor the marina area in Ardrossan and would warn those responsible that they will be fined if they allow their dogs to foul and don’t pick up their dog mess.

“Even if there is no dog waste bin nearby,owners can deposit the waste in a normal street bin.”