IT is one of the universal dilemmas... how to keep your neighbours onside and ensure good relations in the community.

But most people won't have had to think about when it's acceptable to take your snakes to the park - or how to behave on spotting reptiles lounging in the sunshine where you had hoped to do some sun baking yourself. 

Residents near Renfrewshire's Barshaw Park are facing just that conundrum: when is it ok to show your snake in a public place?

Twitter user Jamie Kinlochan - who has previous form for going viral with his unusual spots in local parks - took to the social media platform to share a photo of a surprising sight.

Locals have been stunned to see a group of snakes - reportedly as many as 20 - enjoying the Scottish heatwave with their owner in the park.

If dogs have to stay on leads, however, how does one collar a snake?

On Facebook, the group Friends of Barshaw Park posted the suggestion that anyone with concerns about the snakes should contact police. 

It reads: "Several people have contacted us with concerns about someone bringing snakes into the park. 

"It's been reported that recently 20 snakes were brought in by the person.  

"Renfrewshire Council have told us that no one has permission to bring snakes into Barshaw Park.

"The police request that if you see.anyone in the park with snakes, please do not approach the person but call the police on 101 and they will attend."

The advice has not gone down well. 

Stacey Keenan replied: "I’ve met him a couple of times with my kids. Really nice guy, answered the 1001 questions we had about snakes. 

"The snakes were under control and enjoying a little sunbathe. 

"Can we show the same concern for people bringing their out of control dogs to the park?"

Claire Murray called the po-faced warning "OTT".

She wrote: "Wow really? I seen the gentleman there with snakes on saturday and he was really nice and full of smiles and laughter. This seems a bit ott?"

Nikki Nunn chipped in to say fears are unfounded. She said: "There was a man who was in the park last year with his reptiles and snakes and was showing them to people. 

"He was super nice and knowledgeable so if it's the same guy I wouldn't be worried."

Mum and local dog owner Colette Kerr could see both sides of the sssssituation. She added: "We were a bit surprised, the man was very relaxed and enjoyed answering all my eager nine-year-old's questions.

"He had a very watchful eye on them. In saying that, I'm glad I didn't have my dog with me."

Rebecca Hepson, however, was firmly Team Snake, writing: "That's a shame poor we snake just wants a wander. If he's supervising what's the issue?"

Jane Batey was with Rebecca: "Honestly, guy brings snakes in for nature interest. Wake up Barshaw Park."

Among a surprising number of other snake supporters, Norman Campbell revealed a few more details. 

He said: "I meet him last week, had nine snakes and one of them just had babies.

"Couple on the ground, my dog just sniffed them and walked away. One of them was 9/10 ft. Absolute beautiful."

Karen McClure providing a minority dissenting voice. She countered: "I haven’t seen the gentleman and tbh [to be honest] I am absolutely petrified of snakes so I would have been running for dear life.

"Were the snakes venomous? And if so surely he must have a license; can’t be that hard to track him down.

"I’m all for learning kids about reptiles and all species of animals but only if it’s safe to do so and only if he’s dealing with one at a time to make sure 100% of his attention is on the one snake."

Leona Black, meanwhile, had bigger things to worry about. "Omg," she wrote, "People are worried about this! I would be more worried about the kids in the park these days are more feral!"

London's Hyde Park has the Serpentine Gallery - Barshaw Park has serpents. It remains to be seen how big a tourist attraction the latter will become.

But locals are certainly determined they won't be the snake in the grass.