FLY-TIPPERS IN THE FIRING LINE
Remains of fast food van dumped in lay-by
An increase in fly-tipping in and around East Kilbride has been blasted by an MSP.
Central Scotland list Tory Graham Simpson says he is appalled at the amount of flytipping in the area.
Mr Simpson has highlighted dumb dumping on Cairnmuir Road, on the outskirts of the town.
“In one lay-by there was the remains of a fast food van,” he said.
“Why the owners could not have broken it up and taken it to the tip is beyond me.
“Just yards down the road was some household waste which could also have gone into a municipal skip.
“It beggars belief that people would drive out into the country to dump waste when facilities are provided for them.
“I dealt with several cases like this when I was a councillor – from dumped chicken carcasses to old tyres.
“The council can use covert methods to catch culprits but it is an uphill struggle.
“The bottom line is that council taxpayers are left to pick up the tab of clearing the mess and that’s not on.”
The former East Kilbride councillor insists people need to take more responsibility – and that local authorities can ill afford to foot the clean-up bill.
He added: “Councils throughout Scotland are fighting a losing battle against this scourge and it is costing them a fortune.
“There is no excuse for messing up the countryside.
“It is unsightly and unhygienic and could, in some cases, be downright dangerous to people and wildlife.”