The scourge of fly-tipping scars Lochee

Torched sofas, dumped furniture and broken glass have become “part and parcel” of living in Lochee, residents of 40 years have said.

Exasperated residents of Kirk Street, Yeamans Lane and Atholl Street have said some people “just don’t care” about the state of their streets.

So fed up by the ongoing problems, they admitted many of them had “given up” complaining about the fly-tipping, which they say has become progressively worse in recent years.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said getting a property in Lochee decades ago would have been as “scarce as hen’s teeth”.

Now 20 years after from moving in, she said she would happily leave her home as fly-tipping and anti-social issues continue to “plague” the area.

“I actually gave up complaining to the council about the rubbish getting dumped outside,” she said.

“I don’t know what to say really about it, other than people just don’t care.

“Over the last five to six years the issues with flytipping have got worse.

“There can be a turnover of people moving in and out with varying degrees of social problems which adds to the situation.

“Previously I’ve had Dundee City Council come and uplift furniture but that cost does seem to be increasing for that service.

“I don’t know if that is dictating why people choose to dump these items outside in the hope they’ll eventually get collected anyway.”

Kirk Street resident Iris Fleming said a brown leather sofa had been outside her property since Christmas.

She added: “It is an eyesore seeing those items dumped here. I’ve lived in Kirk Street for over 40 years and I would agree this issue with fly-tipping has become more evident over recent years.

“It has become part and parcel of living here now. I wasn’t aware of any furniture being set on fire but it’s certainly a fire hazard when they get dumped outside like this.”

Sapphire Bosley, who lives on neighbouring Yeamans Lane, confirmed a sofa was set on fire behind her house last week.

The 23-year-old added: “It is a frustration having these items dumped outside your house.”

Lochee councillor Michael Marra said there has been a “marked increase” in fly-tipping in recent years. “This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable,” he added.

“The council has to make clear that this kind of dumping is illegal and can be very dangerous with the real chance of sofas and furniture being set fire to.”

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “So called fly-tipping is an anti-social behaviour that blights communities and areas where it happens.

“Our Take Pride in Your City campaign encourages everyone to do their bit to keep the city safe and presentable for all.”

MENACE: Residents have grown weary of dumped furniture and other unwanted items.