Collared dogs dirt issue first

New councillor takes lead

A newly-elected Tory councillor has scored his first victory - tackling dog fouling.

Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig Conservative Nathan Wilson was contacted during the election campaign by residents angry that dog waste was being thrown in bags into bushes and a grass verge near their homes.

Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson asked North Lanarkshire Council if they would provide a bin near the site on the Ravenscraig housing estate.

And councillor Wilson managed to get agreement and action within days of being elected.

The bin, previously stationed at the beginning of Plantation Road, has been moved upwards so that it is now located halfway between the New Craig Road and Hoy Gardens roundabouts.

Councillor Wilson said: “Dog fouling has been a major issue at this estate and I would hope that the re- positioning of the bin will encourage owners to dispose of their dog dirt responsibly. Its effectiveness in tackling this problem will likely have to be reviewed at a later date to ensure the best possible outcome for residents.”

Mr Simpson said: “Residents first raised this issue with me during the council campaign and I am pleased Nathan has acted quickly to achieve a positive result in the week after his election.

“It shows what can happen when you elect a councillor who listens.”