Preventing access may be only solution to vandalism problem at Auchmithie
An Angus councillor said he fears blocking off access to a beauty spot might be the only way to stop littering and vandalism.
Auchmithie.
- By Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 01.08.11
- Published online : 01.08.11 @ 09.46am
Bob Spink said the problem happens year after year at Auchmithie harbour, but he has always been reluctant to deny people access to places of beauty.
However, after the latest vandalism, when boats were set on fire, he believes the time has come to seriously consider such a move.
The majority, he said, would again suffer because of the actions of a small minority.
Mr Spink was speaking after a second abandoned boat in as many days was set on fire at the harbour.
The contents of the last shed were also consigned to flames a few weeks ago and a pile of sunks were stolen.
Locals have suggested the Cart Road be gated and locked at night to stop vehicle access.
They say problems seem to occur when the occupants of camper vans, tents and cars parked overnight have the beach to themselves.
Mr Spink said, as particularly troublesome as it is, it appears "something we can do little about as the perpetrators of the nuisance seem to care little either for public opinion or the rule of law.
"This is a problem that is sadly endemic everywhere there are public open spaces which are easily accessible," he said.
Ongoing problem
"While I have spoken many times of my reluctance to gate off the road to the harbour I fear that this may be the only way this ongoing problem may be addressed — and even then only a part answer.
"Like nearby Lunan Bay, the problem in Auchmithie rears its head year upon year, and while it is correct and easy to ask what the council will do about it, the fact is the council do not own or operate the harbour area at Auchmithie, or the beach area at Lunan Bay for that matter, and any misconduct is in the realm of the police rather than the council and it is to them all forcible protestations and complaints should be made.
"I am sure the council will co-operate in every way they can to help solve the problem, but there are limits.
"I condemn the abuse or misuse of areas of public beauty or prominence simply because one can do so. It seems that to appeal to such careless persons in our society is hopeless for they take no heed.
"I urge those who do care to make their voice heard to protest whenever and wherever possible, presenting photos or other evidence they can to the appropriate authorities (the police), expressing their outrage in the hope that ultimately something will be done to control this menace."
Mr Spink said every year at this time people go down there and have parties or camp overnight. The fact there are no toilet facilities presents a problem, as does the litter that is left behind.
The councillor went on, "This has been raised a few times in the past and I am always reluctant to deny access to places of beauty for people who want to go there because there are usually much more people who don't want to do any harm than those who do.
"It may yet come to pass that there would be a gate at the top of the road with key access for those who need to go down there for business or to service the septic tank.
"We have the same problem at Lunan Bay where hundreds of people enjoy it over the summer months but the problems are caused by a small number of people.
"Auchmithie harbour is very picturesque and people go down there to take photographs or to paint — it's perfect. It would be a shame to deny people access to it but I fear it might be the only way to stop this."
Photo © Stewart Lloyd-Jones.
10.36am - 01.08.2011 Ian - Arbroath, Scotland Report This
Ever heard if the police? Then again have the police ever heard of "policing"?
03.11pm - 01.08.2011 Andy Bingham - Arbroath, Scotland Report This
Why dont the council buy these spots of beauty and charge a toll for access for the upkeep of the place. The Lunan Bay car park is a joke as it is still in private hands yet the council upgraded it for £90,000 of tax payers money which I am sure could of been used to purchase the land.
07.00pm - 04.08.2011 robert gallacher - glenrothes, scotland Report This
many anglers use auchmithie throughout the year,particularly during winter for the cod. some of these anglers have disabilitys and would feel a real loss if the road was closed to vehicle access. better to deal with those causing the problem,than punish the responsible visitors.
08.43pm - 17.08.2011 Carol Smith - Arbroath, uk Report This
I use the road down to the harbour to carry equipment to watch the sea birds close up on the cliff faces. I could not do it if I had to walk up that hill with it. I also take my elderly parents down as they love to be sitting on the shore for picnics and alike, they don't want to in a car park.
05.55pm - 29.08.2011 neil glen - dundee, scotland Report This
i use the rd at acmithie in summer to lanch boat and fish the shore in the winter dont mind the walk down the rd being shut would stop me gettin boat out i have found it to b the best place to lanch round arbroath area with out the need for a 4x4 always clean up when their would ashame
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