Mountain of waste dumped on riverside
PA highlights disgusting mess left by fly-tippers
Councillors have called for action on a fly-tipping site by the River Tay in Perth after the PA highlighted the issue with them.
A mountain of dumped industrial and domestic waste has built up on a riverbank close to Friarton Bridge.
The rubbish is on private land and councillors are now calling on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to act.
The PA took the issue to the ward councillors for Perth City Centre, which covers the area, after being approached by a concerned local.
They told us: “During lockdown last year I spent time looking for new walking routes in the area and one day ambled along the harbour and down by the river beyond King James VI Business Centre.
“I remember it being a nice summer’s day but I couldn’t believe the mess that had been left at the side of the road as you approach the Friarton Bridge. All sorts of rubbish had been dumped, some no doubt seeping into the river.
“I assumed it would be dealt with pretty swiftly.
“Sadly, when out walking again this week, the same problem remains and has perhaps even worsened. I’m sure others have noticed it.”
The PA went to check it out and photographer Richard Wilkins saw a dumped commercial fridge, machine parts, tyres and rubble all close to the River Tay.
Perth City Centre councillor Peter Barrett of the Lib Dems said the council and SEPA has been aware of the site “for years”. He is now calling for the government to step in.
He added: “The problems of fly-tipping on this site have gone on for too long, the issues have been regularly raised with SEPA and it needs to act.
“Because the fly-tipping is on private land it is SEPA’s responsibility to enforce its removal.
“Controlled waste materials have been haphazardly dumped next to the river. This includes builders rubble, refrigeration equipment, tyres and hydraulic mechanisms as well as domestic waste.
“I have been advised that there are problems identifying the owners of the land after Fair City Skips went out of business.”
City Centre ward councillor with the SNP Eric Drysdale thanked the PA for bringing “this appalling mess” to his attention.
He added: “This is a disgraceful example of the serious fly-tipping problem evident across many parts of our otherwise beautiful city and county.
“I sincerely hope those responsible for this can be brought to justice.”
Conservative councillor Chris Ahern said: “I am disgusted by people that think it is acceptable to dump their rubbish wherever they like.
“It appears that a lot of people don’t care about the area they live, the harm it does to the environment and the danger it can pose to animals.”
A regular river traveller and eco activist is Piotr Gudan, owner of Outdoor Explore a paddlesport and kayak guided tour company based in Blairgowrie.
Piotr regularly leads visitors on canoe explorations along the south section of Moncreiffe Island and the River Tay at Friarton Bridge.
“This is an upsetting sight, quite atrocious,” he said on viewing pictures of the dumping.
“In our Perth City Loop tour we have been doing for years now, I’m proud to show off the history, wildlife and unique views of the River Tay. I tell people that the Tay is regarded as one of the cleanest large rivers in Europe.
“But this eyesore is clearly visible. It stands out.
“Pollution of the Tay sits close to my soul.
“With lockdown, fly-tipping is certainly worse. I think this is because fewer people have been about so opportunists think they can get away with it unseen,”
Outdoor Explore will be able to resume paddle tours from April 26.
For seven years now Piotr has offered a ‘litter free paddle’ where his boats go out for free in exchange for a litter pick by passengers.
“I like to be a responsible user. We have picked up four tonnes of rubbish in the six previous years of holding the collection event.
“We hope people will join us on June 12 when we intend to go rubbish hunting. We were wondering where to target our efforts in Perth.
“Having seen your pictures, I think I know where we should concentrate now,” concluded Piotr.
The PA approached the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for comment but it had not provided one by the time of going to press.