Community leaders behind a campaign to fight back against dog owners who refuse to clear up after their pets were delighted when over 180 turned out for a clear-up event on Saturday.
The Hopeman Community Association set up their “Big Spring Clean” in the village to highlight an issue that has blighted not only their community but many others in the region.
Now community association chairman, Dennis Slater, has expressed his delight at the local response to the campaign with residents of all ages turning out to help clean up their village.
The community association distributed around 700 letters to homes and businesses throughout Hopeman, reminding residents of the responsibility they had for cleaning up after their pets – and that failure to do so could lead to their facing fines of up to £500.
Saturday’s event was a show of support for the campaign, with Mr Slater saying: “The association and everyone living in the village really appreciate the hard work put in by volunteers at our ‘Big Spring Clean’.
“Now we hope that residents will continue to ensure the standard that has been set by this and help to keep Hopeman beautiful.”
Community association secretary Lorna Main added: “We were aware our campaign was gathering momentum over the last few days but we were overwhelmed with the turnout.
“We would like to thank Tim Betts, our community warden, and Fiona Burnett from Moray Council’s environmental services. Everyone was kitted out with litter pickers, high visibility jackets, spades, bags and gloves to ensure that the village was cleaned up safely.
“Tea, coffee and ice cream was also available to everyone and many people stayed on afterwards for a chat.”