COMMUNITIES across the Borders are being encouraged to take Newtown's lead in a bid to stamp out dog fouling.

Proactive pooch lovers in the village have created a dog friendly environment to encourage responsible ownership.

And bosses at Scottish Borders Council hope other towns and villages will follow their example.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, the local authority's executive member for locality services, told us: “Dog fouling is a long standing issue which cannot be solely tackled by the council, particularly when demand on public services is increasing while budgets are being squeezed.

"We need support from local communities.

"An excellent example is Dog Friendly Newtown, a group who have carried out a series of positive actions such as setting up a junior group to educate youngsters on responsible dog ownership."

Scottish Borders Council introduced a Responsible Dog Strategy in an effort to change owners' behaviour to dog fouling and remind them of their social and legal responsibilities.

But poo pests continue to blight streets and parks across the entire region.

Councillor Aitchison wants communities to take up an offer of posters and pavement stencils as the fight continues.

And he also wants more owners to join the 200 or so who have signed up to the local authority's Green Dog Walker Scheme.

He added: “It may be that local people wish to join the Green Dog Walker Scheme, or request posters or stencils are put up in certain areas. "While this may not seem like it will have the same impact as enforcement, it will aim to make owners think twice about their irresponsible actions and the affect it has on the local environment and other people within their communities.

“If the public witness dog fouling, they should continue to report it to the council and provide as many details as possible.

“Information such as exact location, the time when the dog fouling takes place, a description of the owner and their dog, and any other relevant details are very helpful.

“Information can be provided anonymously and there would be no need to provide further evidence at a later date.”

Wardens already patrol known hot spots.

And £80 fines will be dished out to anyone who fails to pick up after their dog.

To request posters and stencilling visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/dogfouling or phone 0300 100 1800.