THE chairman of the Friends of Duchess Wood says dog fouling is still a major challenge in Helensburgh's largest woodland – even though the vast majority of dog owners in the town pick up after their pets.

Stewart Campbell says the Friends have thought about a volunteer warden presence in the woods to clamp down on dog fouling, but won't be pursuing the idea because of fears they might be challenged by irresponsible owners.

Mr Campbell told members of Helensburgh Community Council: “The wood is one of the great places where dogs can walk, but it's a very difficult problem to persuade the five per cent of dog owners who are not responsible to manage their pets – and to pick up their blooming poo bags.”

Asked by HCC convener Norman Muir whether the Friends had considered using volunteer wardens to educate dog owners, Mr Campbell said: “We have thought about that. We have been regularly placing signs along the entrances to the wood, and Argyll and Bute Council supports this by maintaining and clearing bins.

“In the last 10 years the position has improved quite a lot, but as the paths have improved, so the numbers using the wood have risen and the number of dog walking businesses has risen.

“I agree communication is important but I don't see our role as being more active in terms of having a volunteer warden.

“I fear those who don't want to co-operate would give wardens a very hard time.”