‘Council passing the buck’

Resident angered by response to litter louts and fly-tippers

A R BROAT H residents have hit out at what has been described as a public health hazard.

Items ranging from needles to sanitary products and car tyres have been left dumped on the beach, forcing locals to undertake volunteer clean-ups.

One resident, Lorna Cameron, spoke of her frustration at the “ongoing problem” of rubbish being left in public spaces.

“The first time I came to Arbroath I could not believe the amount of litter that had been left on the beach. But the problem is not just there, it’s all over.

“I have even seen people sitting in their cars throwing litter out of the window. Things like cigarette packets. At a beach clean last year we collected 24 bags of rubbish within an hour on a 30-metre stretch.

“It’s crazy and it’s definitely a serious health issue. People coming to Arbroath don’t want to be seeing that along the beach.”

Lorna believes the root of the problem is the lack of facilities for people to dispose of their rubbish, as well as limited deterrents.

She added: “There are not enough bins around the town and those we have are overflowing with rubbish.

“There should also be signs informing people of the penalties they face if they were to fly-tip.”

The 52-year-old was critical of Angus Council who, she claimed, is passing the responsibility of clearing the mess on to local people.

She added: “There have been community groups who have organised beach cleans but the council is passing the buck.”

Lorna is hoping simple measures can be taken to discourage people from leaving rubbish but admits she has been left disappointed by the response of the local authority.

“The council’s response was it doesn’t have the funding to install extra bins,” she added.

“A spokesman for Angus Council said: “We would encourage anyone who sees incidents of fly-tipping to report them to us by using our online form or by calling ACCESSLine on 03452 777 778.”

Some of the rubbish found on the beach at Arbroath.