Teenagers having drink-fuelled camping parties are leaving huge amounts of rubbish and damaging the local environment, according to angered residents close to Trottick mill ponds.
According to one resident, the woodland area at the rear of the ponds is being used on a weekly basis by gangs of young campers who are leaving a wake of destruction, damaging trees and setting fires in clearings.
Damaged trees in the area.
The man says he sees groups of teenagers walking to the woods with bags of alcohol and camping equipment.
He has become so upset by the damage to the local environment that he has taken it upon himself to clear up the mess, filling several large bags with discarded beer bottles, empty food packets and damaged camping equipment.
Councillor John Alexander, neighbourhood services convener and the councillor for the area, said: “I am disgusted to hear of acts of vandalism in this area, particularly given its status as a nature reserve.
“I was in the area just this month with the rangers service, enjoying the ponds with a number of families. It’s a great place and a hidden gem in the ward.
“This is not only an area that individuals, dog walkers and families enjoy on a daily basis but an area that is home to an array of wildlife. Disturbing these natural habitats could have some impact on these.
“We take every complaint seriously and will ensure that these matters are investigated. I will also be contacting our community safety team to monitor the area.
“We are currently investing thousands of pounds improving the Trottick Ponds nature reserve and its access paths. It would be a shame for a few disrespectful individuals to ruin it for everyone else.
“I’d ask people to ensure that they report every incident to the council so that we can react and deal with this.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is committed to reducing antisocial behaviour and disorder in our communities in order to help keep people safe.
“Anti-social behaviour is always taken seriously and we are acutely aware of the upset that this form of behaviour can have within a community. We would encourage anyone who has any concerns to contact Tayside Division on 101.”
