THE leader of Scottish Borders Council has graffitied Innerleithen’s streets with the help of community leaders.

But it wasn’t an act of mindless vandalism.

They spray-painted logos onto the pavements in response to concerns from residents fed-up of foul play by irresponsible dog owners.

At Innerleithen Community Council last week, residents voiced their frustrations about dog fouling in and around Waverly Mills.

Members of the community council are working tirelessly on a campaign to keep the streets cleaner and have secured funding to buy new bins and bag dispensers.

To build on the community council’s ‘Pick up the Poo’ campaign, members have been working with the Scottish Borders Council to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.

Last week, Jackie Couchman, together with Councillor Shona Haslam, spent Friday morning spray painting the pavements of the town with the message ‘Clean It Up’.

Jackie said: “A morning’s stencilling across Innerleithen has built on the “Pick up the Poo” campaign that’s been championed by the Innerleithen and District Community Council since the beginning of 2019.

“The campaign has seen a network of informal poo bag dispensers throughout Innerleithen.

"These are currently topped up by community councillors with bags generously provided by The Dogs’ Trust.

“A successful bid for funding from SBC’s Localities Bid Fund has secured monies to be used to upgrade the public bin network locally with 18 bins incorporating poo bag dispensers.

"Whilst not denying that a small minority of irresponsible dog owners defy the law and do not pick up, the campaign has undoubtedly had an effect. No dog poo was spotted during the stencilling activity.”

Councillor Haslam added: “These stencils are just one part of a much wider campaign led by residents in Innerleithen.

"It isn’t the magic bullet but it does go some way to being a visible reminder as people are out walking their dogs.

“For those who have forgotten to bring bags there are plenty of bag dispensers dotted around the town on lampposts.

"There really is no excuse for those who still refuse to clean up after their dogs.

“The Council have made these stencils and paint available to community councils throughout Tweeddale.

"If you want your town or street targeted then get in touch with your community council, and they can come along and help send the message that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable in our streets, villages and towns.”