MORE than 20 volunteers have joined a clean-up operation at Helensburgh Cemetery after the Advertiser highlighted concerns over dog fouling and litter.

Janet Begg, chair of the Friends of Helensburgh Cemetery, contacted us last week to share her fury at irresponsible pet owners who have been allowing their dogs to wander around the grounds without a lead.

And Janet got in touch again this week to reveal her delight at the response from the community as helpful locals tidied up rubbish, dead flowers, broken glass and plant pots on Sunday, June 7.

READ MORE: Fury at 'irresponsible' owners over rise in dog fouling at Helensburgh Cemetery

She said: “I spoke to Tom Murphy, roads and amenities manager for the council, last week and he was very helpful and assured me that they will display a sign asking people to keep their dogs on a lead and to prevent dog mess from lying on the graves which had been turning into a real concern for the group.

“It was great that we had so many people, over 20 at one point and the coverage the paper gave made all the difference.

“We were able to remove a few bags of litter, dead flower and broken pots, as well as generally tidy up a few graves and stones.”

READ MORE: Don't leave your pet's waste in our treasured woodland, Helensburgh dog owners are told

Friends of the cemetery are delighted that local man, Danny (Boy) Harkins has started a new service called Graveside TLC and for small donation, he can look after the graves and stones of loved ones for those that maybe can’t do it themselves.

Danny can be contacted on 01436 676465 for more information.

Janet Begg added: “This is a great idea and anything that promotes keeping the cemetery looking tidy has my vote.”

The Friends will hold another clean after the summer.

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