Taynuilt ‘army’ defends pier
Villagers in Taynuilt are mobilising a pierwatch army to wage war on irresponsible litter louts – the lochside community is being plagued by those staying overnight and revellers setting up camp next to the picturesque Kelly’s Pier.
Camping chairs, tents, piles of rubbish, a table and even a step ladder are among the most recent pieces of debris dumped. Drink cans, bottles smashed into campfires, half-burned rubbish and baby wipes soiled with excrement are other grim finds frequently faced by litter pickers.
Villagers have taken it on themselves individually to regularly clean up the mess others thoughtlessly left behind, but now they have formed an official pierwatch group and are linking up with Police Scotland Rural Watch in the hope of putting a stop to it.
Signs will also be going up in the area soon, urging people to be responsible and keep the place tidy.
One of Taynuilt Pierwatch’s founding members Libby Bryce said: ‘Someone had to step up to protect the area, its beauty and its wildlife, and we’re doing it as community now.
‘The problem is all along the shore from Kelly’s Pier to the grass peninsula and new pier, and it’s going to be a problem that will become more common with the growing popularity of campervans. Last year we had it bad right up to the New Year.
‘We have been making inroads with litter and I thought it was going quite well until last week when I found the furniture. Broken glass from bottles, half burned wood with nails is also a risk to kiddies’ hands or people’s pets. We also find a lot of soiled baby wipes with human waste – it’s not pleasant.’
Anglers’ discarded lines with hooks attached are another hazard, said Ms Bryce.
This Saturday, October 19, will see Taynuilt Pierwatch’s first collective litter-pick at Kelly’s Pier at 10.30am.
Taynuilt is not alone when it comes to destructive campers, with incidences being reported of rubbish left and green trees chopped down on the shores of Loch Awe at Kilchrenan.
‘I would call them animals but animals never leave the destruction and mess these people do,’ said Tom Cakebread, who lives there.
acollective
The Taynuilt group will also be joining up with other groups in Bonawe and Loch Awe which are also trying to protect their shorelines.
‘The idea is that we can all tie up and help each other when we need it or have to face any big tasks that need extra hands,’ said Ms Bryce.
‘It’s not about keeping campers away. We don’t want to stop them from enjoying themselves, we just want them to be responsible and not spoil the area for others,’ she added.
Support has also been received from officers based at Oban Police Station to help deal with any anti-social behaviour and fishfarm company Dawnfresh has given sponsorship.
Sergeant Peter MacMillan at Oban said: ‘Police Scotland is dedicated to working with rural communities and protecting the environment. Littering and other anti-social behaviour in the countryside has a detrimental effect on the community and surrounding wildlife.’
Plans to encourage people to look after the pier area, by sprucing it up, so far include turning a chain of tyres into tubs planted with flowers and herbs and the possibility of introducing some seating.