Farmer hits out at dumb dumpers
Rubbish strewn on road
A farmer has hit out at fly– tippers who have dumped rubbish at his land twice in as many months.
James McLaren, who operates Murrayshall Farm near Cambusbarron, last week discovered more waste thrown on to the main road next to the farm.
He found rubbish – which included wood, cardboard, paper, and even a fluorescent life jacket – discarded on Gateside Road, between Murrayshall Quarry and the MOD training area at Cambusbarron.
The Observer reported in May that Mr McLaren found piles of discarded bottles, cans, food wrappers and takeaway containers which appeared to have been dumped from a car.
He and a member of the public, who volunteered, cleared away the refuse into sacks.
Mr McLaren said: “I reported it the last time rubbish was fly–tipped, but this is the worst I have seen yet. The last time rubbish was dumped off the side of the road, but this time it was all over the road. I had to call Stirling Council and the police about it. It’s dangerous.”
Stirling Council is aware of the issue in the area and sympathises with Mr McLaren.
A spokesman added: “We have investigated numerous reports of flytipping at this location over the past five years, including two since May this year.
“Unfortunately, our officers have, so far, found no evidence to help us find the perpetrators.
“The use of covert surveillance would be too costly and time-consuming, so we are grateful to the Stirling Observer for highlighting this issue and hope that it encourages someone to come forward with information to help us catch those responsible.
“The illegal disposal of waste can be hazardous not only to wildlife but to people’s health and carries a fine of up to £40,000 if you are prosecuted.”
Anyone who spots instances of fly– tipping is urged to report it to Stirling Council by calling 01786 404040 or going to https://my.stirling.gov.uk/forms.