Plea to report fly-tippers after rubbish is set on fire near car
An ongoing fly- tipping problem on a Livingston street took a dangerous new turn last week as the rubbish was set alight yards from a parked car.
Scott Tollan, who lives on Don Drive, Craigshill, said the fly- tipping on the street has been ongoing for months but that the latest escalation of setting fire to the rubbish could have put “life in danger”.
Scott said: “It’s been an ongoing problem. It just seems to be a haven for people dumping. And it’s not just people from the street, it’s people from all over.
“It has escalated somewhat now, as the latest items to be dumped have been set alight and nearly engulfed a car putting life in danger.
“That particular set of stuff has been lying there for about three months and the council has been round but just seem to have a look and go away again.
“From what I’ve been told the landscape area is Almond Housing’s and the pavements are owned by the council and if the rubbish goes across both then neither touches it.”
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports of fly- tipping at Don Drive in Craigshill, Livingston. Dumping rubbish is illegal and dangerous and ruins the appearance of your neighbourhood.
“Our Enforcement Officers have been in regular contact with Almond Housing and we are working together to try resolve the problems in the area. So far our searches have not identified the source of the fly-tipping.
“Officers have also provided local residents with information in regards to responsible waste disposal. We can only uplift fly-tipping on council land, with the landowner responsible for clearing their own property.
“We would urge anyone who spots fly tipping to report it to us at www. westlothian.gov.uk/report, or by emailing customer. services@westlothian.gov. uk, or calling 01506 280000. A £ 200 fine will be issued to anyone proven to be responsible for fly tipping.”
Almond Housing were approached for comment but did not respond before The Courier went to print.