GLOW in the dark posters are helping to shine a light on the problem of dog fouling ...

The posters, which feature luminous eyes, warn dog walkers they are being watched at all times, and South Ayrshire Council said they were particularly effective at night when the issue is a problem.

The idea came from Lindsay Brent, 28, of Wallacetoun, in Ayr, who was getting fed up with the dog mess on her daughter’s shoes when she went out to play on grassy areas near her home.

She phoned the council to make her suggestion which was followed up by the environmental health team.

She said: “I came up with the idea after watching a programme about a similar campaign in Portsmouth and I was delighted when the council agreed the posters could be really effective in my area especially in the grass surrounding Newton Primary School.

“We want to encourage responsible dog owners and I hope these posters get the message across. People in communities across South Ayrshire are keeping an eye out for anyone not picking up after their pet and fines could be issued. I think any scheme deterring owners from spoiling our streets with dog mess is beneficial to all.”

John McDowall, environment portfolio holder for the council, said: “We are always happy to listen to ideas which can help improve our communities. The luminous posters are a novel but effective way of reminding dog owners that they should pick up after their pets even in poor light or face a fixed penalty notice.

“The vast majority of dog owners are considerate but unfortunately there is still a minority of owners who fail to pick up. You can put bagged dog waste in any litter bin, so there really isn’t any excuse. Dog faeces as well as being unsightly carry a clear public health risk in particular to young children, so we need to work with our communities to tackle the problem.”

The council aims to introduce the posters in other problem areas. Anyone caught not cleaning up after their dog could face a £40 fixed penalty notice which will rise to £80 in April.