Anger over dumped rubbish

Bottle banks have become the new waste tips for householders in Livingston - and it’s time to snitch on the dumpers.

That was the message from Livingston North Local Area committee. Councillor Andrew Miller told the meeting that the Houston Road bottle bank site was a favourite, being filled with rubbish every other day. He said: “It’s just getting crazy. I have seen four separate instances of fly- tipping in just one street.” Figures for fly-tipping enquiries have surged in the area, as they have across the county.

Open spaces and cemeteries manager, David Cullen, said: “There’s been a significant increase in fly- tipping across the board. In terms of collecting and clearing it away we have been able to cope but it’s like a lack of education has crept in during the lockdown. It has been an exceptional year, but people need to realise that this is not acceptable behaviour.”

Councillor Miller said: “I suppose with bottle banks it’s almost become normal accepted practice. That’s a concern. It’s despicable thing that needs knocked on the head. Education is important but enforcement is equally so.” Councillor Alison Adamson said she believed people were taking a pride in the environment and had seen a very strong sense of community during the lockdown.

She added: “I think there’s a lot to be said about somebody snitching on someone else, and I think that is something that people are now more interested in doing. We want to encourage that because if they know that there will be a punishment for doing this then hopefully the message will get out loud and clear.”

Head of operational services, Jim Jack, said: “The householders have a responsibility when they engage with the white van man and actually pay for material to be removed from their homes.”