Walkers who dump coffee cups blasted

CALLS have been made for walkers to show more care for footpaths and walkways after piles of discarded coffee cups and litter began mounting up in recent days.

Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan said he was disgusted while out on his daily walk at the weekend to come across dozens of discarded drinking vessels.

He said he was amazed at how disrespectful people were being toward their own community and is now appealing to walkers to make sure they take their own “lockdown litter” home.

Mr Duncan said: “I have received loads of complaints about the rubbish that has been left strewn all around the walkway and cycle way between Douglas Terrace and the grassy beach area in Broughty Ferry.

“Obviously in these current pandemic circumstances there is little else to do but go for a walk and Broughty Ferry waterfront is a most attractive place to do so. Given the freezing weather, it’s no surprise that people should take a hot drink with them.

“Nevertheless I am appalled that people who apparently can be bothered to lug around a hot drink cannot be bothered to take the empty cup to the nearest bin – of which there are a lot in the Ferry – but think it perfectly all right to just abandon their litter to the elements for someone else to clean up.

“This is utterly disrespectful to the beautiful environment they came to enjoy.

“I have asked the council to do more to meet what I think is a much increased demand during these unprecedented times. However, I feel strongly that all of us need to take responsibility for our own actions.”

Broughty Ferry Community Council said it shared Mr Duncan’s concern at the increase in littering.

A spokeswoman said: “It is up to each individual to take responsibility for the environment we live in and if bins are full we would just appeal to people to please take your litter home, whether it’s a takeaway cup or your dog’s business.

“Our leisure time is now limited to outside activities such as walking and running so we all need to be mindful that keeping outdoor areas clean and safe should be a top priority.

“That way we can all enjoy the fantastic surroundings we are privileged to have here in the Broughty Ferry area.

“We understand that city council services are under pressure and certainly more bin emptying and street cleaning would be very welcome. It’s time for everyone to pitch in and do their bit to get us through this difficult period.”

A spokesman for Dundee City Council said: “We will take the appropriate action at the location.

“We ask that residents take pride when navigating the city and dispose of any rubbish appropriately, in order to keep the experience of Dundee’s outdoors enjoyable for all.”