Resident chases away trio of would-be housebreakers

A shocked householder chased away three way men who had smashed a window to try and break in.

Detectives in Livingston are appealing for information after an attempted break-in to a house in Farm Place, Livingston on Wednesday, March 20.

Around 6.15pm, three men entered the rear garden of the property and smashed a window.

They made off a short time later after they were approached by the householder.

They were last seen heading in the direction of Appleton Parkway.

The three suspects are described as between 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins in height and aged in their late teens to early twenties.

They were wearing black clothing, baseball caps and had their faces covered.

Detective Sergeant Keith Sinclair said: “We are working to identify those responsible and I would appeal for any information that will assist our investigation.

“If you were in the area of Farm Place on Wednesday evening around the time of the break-in and saw anyone acting suspiciously, or have any information that may help our enquiries, please contact us.

“I would also urge any drivers in the area with dash-cam to check their footage and get in touch if they hold any detail that may help us.

“Please contact 101 quoting reference number 2562 of 20 March.

“Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Bold plans to revolutionise recycling and build a circular economy will need a “genie and magic lamp” to materialise, it has been claimed.

Councillors lined up in Livingston to question proposals from the Scottish Government which suggest that major improvements can be delivered within 18 months.

There’s little in the proposals to force producers to change their ways, but lots about forcing councils to improve or face financial penalties.

Councillors approved a response by officers to the latest consultation on the plans.

No-one disagrees with the idea, but officers and councillors say it will need more money and better infrastructure to work.

Lib Dem councillor Sally Pattle told a meeting of West Lothian’s Executive: “I’m looking at the dates of what’s expected in the next 18 months. I’m absolutely incredulous.

“It’s like the SNP/Green coalition have said ‘Make it so’ but it’s not like we have a genie in a lamp that’s going to make infrastructure magically appear to make this happen.

“There are no viable alternative technologies in existence. So how are we supposed to do that?”

Cllr Pattle, who recently visited a commercial recycling centre with fellow Linlithgow councillor Pauline Orr, told the meeting that recycling professionals had been calling for a national strategy for 20 years.

She pointed out that 32 different local authorities, along with operators such as hospitals and universities all do things differently.

She described the consultation proposals as infeasible and added: “They are completely unrealistic and it will lead to further delay and confusion for everyone.”

Officers have also pointed to the need for legislation to force manufacturers to do more to make products such as furniture more recyclable rather than leave local authorities with the growing costs of disposal.

Key elements include the disposal of furniture such as sofas which contain fire retardant materials which add to costs because of the chemical element.

Head of waste operations Jim Jack frequently used the analogy of a chain – with the focus being on local authorities the middle link – as he described the council’s consultation response.

It was his personal view that extending producers responsibility needs to be done in advance of all else, as the first link in the chain.

Depute council leader Kirsteen Sullivan, for Labour, said: “I’ve said this before in this chamber. I find this back to front in terms of the Scottish Goverment’s approach.

“It’s far too punitive on local authorities, not looking at the system in a holistic manner. I think that would be a much better approach.”

She added: “What is apparent as well is the stick. How about encouraging people rather than just looking to fine them, and local authorities. We should be taking people on a journey that would contribute to a better outcome.”

Councillor Tom Conn said: “Principles are great but I think parliamentarians need to stop talking and actually start doing stuff in the parliament that actually delivers and delivers on time-scales.

“This is not something that’s been foisted on them. This is their timetable.

“Let’s see the action in parliament that progresses this as quickly as possible.”

SNP group leader Councillor Janet Campbell thanked Mr Jack and his team for their responses and said the legislation aspired to draft a national system of recycling.

The Scottish Government’s attempt to introduce a national bottle return scheme had been stymied by Westminster, she added.