HELENSBURGH has a disgusting problem: dog fouling.

More than 20 years after the first Scottish Parliament passed national legislation to tackle the scourge, it still hasn't disappeared.

The Advertiser was sent dozens of photos over two days from across the town - Hermitage Park, West Princes Street, Colquhoun Street, Clyde Street, Colquhoun Square, Kenilworth Avenue, and more.

On pavements, on grass - it's "totally outrageous", said reader Susan Salmon.

She said: "It's just getting absolutely ridiculous. I noticed it previously but I think there's a lot more.

"I want to remind people to pick it up. It's just vile."

MSP Jackie Baillie, who helped pass that legislation in the first parliament, said: "I am disappointed that more than 20 years since legislation was passed to help tackle dog fouling, the message has still not gotten through to owners.

“Although most dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets, there are still too many who don’t.

“The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 gave new powers to councils and police to deal with persistent dog fouling.

“However, since then the SNP Government has left both councils and Police Scotland struggling for funding, to the point where it is a battle to maintain essential services.

“As police officer numbers dwindle under the SNP’s watch, morale sinks to an all time low and Police Scotland is forced to stop investigating some crimes, while councils strip back services, it is easy to see why enforcement is lacking.”

Council officials urged owners to clean up.

An Argyll and Bute spokesperson said: “We urge dog owners to behave responsibly and to clean up after their pets. Our wardens carry out enforcement patrols across Argyll and Bute.

"The public can help us by contacting our Customer Service Centre on 01546 605514 or report it online: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/environment/animals-and-animal-welfare/dogs-and-dog-ownership.

"You can provide information which assists the wardens in addressing the issue and potentially catching offending dog owners in the act of not cleaning up after their pet.”