Villagers fed up with dog poo on their streets and beaches are using shock tactics to shame those responsible into bagging and binning.
A hard-hitting series of images has been turned into giant banners which have been erected in some of Kinghorn’s most popular and fouled spots.
Featuring local people, the posters include a particularly evocative photograph of a baby playing on the beach in arm’s reach of a disgusting doggy deposit. There is also a shot of local dog owners who pick up behind their pooches urging others to follow suit.
The innovative campaign is the work of Cleaner Kinghorn, which is run by Kinghorn Community Council and funded by Fife Council.
Cleaner Kinghorn spokeswoman Suzanne Gilfeather said: “The idea is to encourage responsible dog owners to make it clear that they are tired of the irresponsible behaviour of others who don’t clean up after their dogs.
“By using local faces as models, set in recognisable locations around Kinghorn, hopefully the message is literally brought home. The signs are hard-hitting and need to be to make an impact on this widespread problem.”
Banners have been erected at popular dog walking areas, including the harbour beach and Harbour Road.
Suzanne said: “Initial reaction from the public has been positive, with some remarking that streets are cleaner already.”
Photo shoots were held last year and the results converted into the banners by local graphic designer Ritchie Feenie. The launch was delayed, however.
Suzanne said: “Kinghorn is a lovely place to live. Most residents and visitors appreciate the natural assets we have coastal walks, award-winning beaches, country walks, a loch used for leisure pursuits.
The fact that so many local residents of all ages turned up for the photo shoots is proof that it’s something they feel strongly about.”
The campaign was inspired by similar action previously taken by Falkirk Council.
Schoolchildren have been heavily involved and the P7 class will conduct monthly monitoring to gauge the impact. An initial survey by pupils found more than 90 faeces in one street.
The venture will be officially launched today in Kinghorn Community Centre from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
Photo by David Wardle