COMPLAINTS about dogs fouling on graves in Dunfermline Cemetery have prompted Fife Council to update signs.

However, widower Robert Holland, who highlighted the issue to the Press last year, is far from impressed. 

Mr Holland, of Baldridgeburn, visits his wife’s grave every day and has seen dogs using people’s last resting place as a toilet. 

He said: “The new signs are pathetic looking! Everyone up there laughs at them and there is no mention of the message I wanted to get across, which is that owners should have their dogs on leads at all times.”

He added: “If the council are able to fine people then why haven’t I heard of one person who has or seen any wardens patrolling?”

The green signs tell dog owners to not allow their dogs to foul on graves. Mr Holland said: “I don’t want to ban dogs as I take my own, but if it doesn’t get resolved then I think they should be. There are plenty of other councils that don’t allow dogs in cemeteries.”

Dunfermline Central Councillor Neale Hanvey said: “I am disappointed the signage was developed without Mr Holland’s input, given his willingness to help. So it’s not really a surprise he is not impressed. Clearly we will need to give it time to see how dog owners’ behaviour changes, but it seems this was a missed opportunity.”   

Liz Murphy, bereavement services manager, said they did meet with Mr Holland and stated: “Due to continuing issues with dog fouling and indiscriminate dog owners allowing their dogs to run free in Dunfermline Cemetery, a different approach was decided upon.”

She said signs were changed to “try to encourage dog owners to be more responsible” and safer communities officers have also been asked to patrol the cemetery.