Two councillors have hit out at illegal fly tipping in Perth, with one describing it as “a scourge” on the city.
Alexander Stewart and his sister, Heather, told The Courier the problem has been steadily increasing over the past few months.
Miss Stewart, who is one of the Perth City Centre representatives, said: “Not a week passes, without my having to inform Perth and Kinross Council’s environmental services about an incident of fly tipping. This is becoming a scourge on our Fair City.”
“I am disappointed by the actions of some residents in our community who choose to discard their unwanted goods in this way. People have to take responsibility for the safe disposal of their own property. Such behaviour not only spoils the Fair City for my constituents and tourists alike, but it can also be hazardous to the environment.”
Mr Stewart, one of the Perth City South representatives, said: “Individuals need to take better responsibility for their rubbish. The council provides numerous ways to arrange collection, recycle or dispose of these items.
“As well as being unsightly, there is a financial cost for disposal when the council is required to clean up the mess of others. Moreover, they can and do pose a fire hazard, which has a knock-on effect on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and community safety.
“I would encourage all residents to be responsible and use the proper channels that the council has put in place for this specific purpose when disposing of unwanted items.”
A council spokesperson said: “We have supported community clean-ups and promoted campaign messages through the council’s social media accounts, and our community waste advisers work with the fire service and community wardens to focus on localised fly tipping issues with residents.
“This involves regular ‘hot spot’ monitoring and door-knocking activities to raise awareness of the dangers of fly tipping and the alternative ways to deal with waste items. As part of the Perth and Kinross Litter Action Plan, we intend to explore web-based recording tools which will help build up a picture of the ‘hot spots’ and target resources to these areas.”