Volunteers have hit out at fly-tippers who are using an Angus beauty spot as a dumping ground.
For the second time in as many weeks, members of the St Vigeans Conservation Network have found discarded household rubbish at the side of the road.
The contents of two plastic bags – including food waste, plastic bottles and food containers – were left strewn over the grass verge.
Group chairman Ralph Coutts, 52, said the weekend incident had left members – all volunteers – completely disheartened.
He said the laws on fly-tipping needed to be tightened.
“It is so disappointing for us as volunteers, the vast majority who work full time, to have to come out and clean up after people who may live a stone’s throw away from where it is dumped or from a recycling centre,” he said.
“This is the second time in a fortnight rubbish has been dumped in exactly the same spot.”
The conservation network works to clear the Brothock Burn of rubbish and to preserve wildlife and nature in and around the village.
The group is also in the process of purchasing educational kits to teach children about local wildlife.
Ralph continued: “We do this work for free in our own time, so fly-tipping like this is a kick in the teeth.”
Just over a week ago residents of nearby Inverkeilor were left dismayed after fly-tippers drove through their village, hurling bin bags full of rubbish off the back of a truck.
Angus councillor Lois Speed, independent member for Arbroath East and Lunan, said she was “appalled and horrified” by the incidents.
“St Vigeans is such a beautiful area with an impressive wildlife habitat,” she said.
“This is soul destroying, especially for the team of hard working volunteers who dedicate hours of their own time to look after the area as well as raise awareness of the environmental impact of such behaviours.
“I will be liaising with council officers to find out what investigations have been carried out and what we can do to deter this type of unwanted behaviour and tackle these problems.”
An Angus Council spokesperson urged anyone with information on fly tipping to call the ACCESSLine on 03452 777 778.
“We have been made aware of this incident and will investigate as fully as we can to look for evidence to catch the person responsible,” the spokesperson added.
“We investigate and dispose of fly-tipping on council ground and can issue fixed penalty notices of £200.”
Police Scotland urged anyone who notices fly-tipping to call 101, if possible with descriptions of people or vehicles used. A spokesman said anyone detected would be charged and reported to the procurator fiscal.
