Major shake-up planned to fight fly-tipping blight

EXCLUSIVE: New strategy would also tackle dog fouling, littering and graffiti

A radical shake-up in Fife’s fight against fly-tipping, littering, dog-fouling and graffiti has been promised after the region’s environment spokesman branded the local authority’s efforts “chaotic, crudely organised and ineffectual”.

Councillor Ross Vettraino, environment and protective services committee convener, will unveil a comprehensive strategy to combat issues that have been blighting communities and costing the taxpayer thousands of pounds to clear up.

Mr Vettraino said a key factor would be the use of the latest CCTV technology to catch criminals in the act, vastly improving the chances of successful convictions.

“For far too long Fife Council’s policing of environmental vandalism has been chaotic and crudely organised,” he said.

“The environmental enforcement resources are not as well organised as they might be and, consequently, the council’s policing of environmental vandalism is not as efficient or as effective as it could be.”

It is hoped the proposals will finally offer a solution for beleaguered residents living close to the former

Westfield Road gas works site in Benarty, who have had to endure flytipping at what has been labelled the region’s biggest illegal dumping ground.

The site has been blighted by tonnes of commercial and household rubbish in recent months.

Mr Vettraino’s strategy would also potentially end long-standing problems at Heathery Wood, close to Kirkcaldy, dubbed Fife’s most fly-tipped street.

“The vast majority of the public are as appalled as I am about the extent of the problem and it’s time to finally put a stop to those who think it’s acceptable to abuse the environment for their own convenience,” he said.

John Morrison, who suffered repeated fly-tipping on land next to his home in Kirkcaldy, which was later captured on a hidden camera, welcomed the move.

He said: “Much of the rubbish dumped close to our homes was obviously commercial waste and it won’t stop until there is a credible deterrent.

“The only way it will stop is if those responsible are hit hard in the pocket with fines and any moves to make that more achievable is certainly a step in the right direction.”

The strategy will be presented to councillors for approval in September.

Councillor Ross Vettraino beside fly-tipping at Heathery Wood in Fife.