Call to get tough after fly-tipping reports double

Huge increase in the last five years sees cases rise to almost 1,200

The number of fly-tipping incidents reported to Perth and Kinross Council has more than doubled over a five-year period.

In 2014, there were 490 cases of fly-tipping reported to the council.

By 2019, this figure had rocketed to 1,190. The number of reported incidents increased almost every year during that time period.

Scottish Conservative councillor Angus Forbes, who represents the Carse of Gowrie ward, said the figures highlight the need for a “tougher approach” to the issue.

He said: “Those figures explain why we need to take a tougher approach to fly-tipping, which Perth and Kinross Council have been doing recently and will continue to do so.

“Fly-tipping is a blight on our countryside and it seems that only fines and tougher enforcement will be the answer.”

One incident in May, at a remote roadside spot between Scone and Glendoick, was described by Mr Forbes as “easily” the worst case he had seen.

Also in May, fly-tipped waste found near Knapp was traced back to a Dundee resident after details of their address were found among the rubbish.

In early January, rats were spotted among rubbish that had been untreated in an alleyway connecting High Street and Skinnergate in Perth, despite numerous complaints.

Figures released in August last year revealed, despite thousands of complaints since 2010, no one in the area had been held accountable for any cases of fly-tipping.

Perth and Kinross Council said information on the cost of fly-tipping “is not held”.

Picture: Steve MacDougall. Shocking: Rubbish dumped beside Lower Friarton Road under the Friarton Bridge near Perth in May.