A campaign was launched in “the Scottish Riviera” this week in a bid to end the blight of throw-away litter in the countryside.
The initiative will see six pavement signs designed by Colvend Primary School children put up at various locations between Kirkbean and Kippford.
The move follows a concerted drive by community volunteers to tackle the litter problem on local beaches and roads.
Colvend and Southwick Community Council invited pupils to design the placards with generous funding in place from Dalbeattie and District Rotary Club and the People’s Project.
Community council vice-chairman Simon Pain said: “The results of all the childrens’ work was stunning.
“The completed designs were submitted to the community council to be judged and the judges had great difficulty deciding on which designs were to be used.
“Six winning designs were reproduced on double-sided pavement swing signs.
“The two runners-up also reproduced on a flexible A-frame sign.
“All the signs will be located at various points in the Colvend and Southwick area.
“Over time the designs will be rotated around the area so that eventually every one will have been seen at each location.”
The idea for the new campaign came after volunteers carried out beach cleans at local holiday spots.
Dozens of bags of rubbish were collected and removed from Rockcliffe, Glenstocken, Port O’Warren and Sandyhills.
However, according to Mr Pain, mobile litterbugs are the worst offenders.
He said: “The biggest current problem is roadside littering, particularly beside the A710, caused mainly by people in vehicles throwing out drinks cups, cans and bottles.
“Attempts have been made by our volunteers to clear this litter but within a few weeks it all reappears.
“There are some areas of the roadside verges that are so narrow that our risk assessment indicates that it is unsafe for our volunteers to work. The community council decided that it is important to address education as well as draw attention to the problem.
“That’s why we are working in partnership with Colvend Primary School.”
The signs were produced by SignRight Dumfries Ltd.
