Fly-tipping condemned as incidents reach 200
FLY-TIPPING incidents hit 200 in the region over the past nine months, but Argyll and Bute Council says the number has not risen since the new three-weekly bin collections were introduced last year.
In one incident last week, a concerned HGV driver told
The Oban Times: ‘ I pulled in to a layby area on the B845 road Barcaldine to Bonawe (Glen Saloch) road for a rest break, and all this mess was right beside the layby down the bank.
‘ I saw a three- seater sofa, a metal bed, kids’ bicycles and toys, spilled cans of white paint, washing machines and tumble dryers.’
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson responded: ‘ The council will take action to clean up any fly-tipping on council- owned land or the public road. Fly-tipping on private land is the responsibility of the landowner or occupier to clean up.
‘ The council will work (and with the owners) to establish any evidence to identify the offender. The rubbish is not on council- owned land. However, we will liaise with the landowner.
‘ The council is committed to ensuring public spaces are maintained to as high a standard as possible and we actively discourage fly-tipping and littering. We are grateful this has been brought to our attention and we will have the rubbish removed as soon as possible.
‘Anyone who drops litter can be issued with an £ 80 fixed penalty notice and failure to pay may result in prosecution and a fine of up to £ 2,500. The fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping is £ 200. If it is not paid, prosecution could result in a fine of up to £ 40,000.
‘ The council has a duty to investigate reports and will take appropriate steps to pursue those responsible. The legislation applies to everyone - no individual is exempt from it.
‘ Keeping the area clear of litter is something we know is important to residents and we would encourage everyone to play a part in keeping our communities litter-free.’