IT'S all hands on deck to tackle dog fouling and littering in the Borders.

Specialist enforcement firm '3GS' have been called up to work alongside Scottish Borders Council in a bid to clear up the region's parks from dog poo and litter. 

3GS officers will patrol known blackspots for this type of behaviour, and issue £80 fixed penalty notices for any offenders they see littering of failing to pick up their dog's mess as part of the 12-month pilot project.

The officers will also fulfil an education role and are expected to be in post by the end of the month.

The agreement is believed to be the first time a Scottish council and a private company have teamed up on the issue of dog fouling.

The one year pilot is part of SBC’s new responsible dog ownership strategy, which was approved by Councillors in February.

Councillor David Paterson, SBC’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “While we are keen to educate owners about the issue of dog fouling, the considerable feedback received from the public, communities and councillors has indicated that enforcement is also crucial.

“That is why I am pleased to announce 3GS as the external contractor to work beside the Council by issuing tickets for dog fouling and littering.

“This is a 12-month pilot and will be reviewed regularly to understand its impact, before a longer term solution is recommended.

“We are carrying out a number of positive educational activities including the Green Dog Walkers scheme, but for those not willing to listen, they face an £80 fine or potential court appearance.”

3GS’s Managing Director Paul Buttivant is happy to have his company on board this community initiative.

He said: “We are obviously delighted to be working with Scottish Borders Council as they implement this pilot following significant pressure from local residents concerned about the escalating problems created by environmental crime, in particular dog fouling and litter.

“Residents can be reassured that our officers are highly trained and will only issue fixed penalty notice to individuals who choose not to observe the law."