An outraged Aberdeen councillor has hit out at fly-tipping offenders – claiming the dumping has become a “daily occurrence” in his ward.
Midstocket and Rosemount member Bill Cormie said constituents approach him every day to point out the wide variety of items – from televisions to sofas and even baths – which are being abandoned on the streets of Rosemount.
He said that people even come from outwith the area in vans to leave rubbish behind, with some items being set alight and others smashed to bits, leaving broken glass scattered on the ground.
Rosemount Square is particularly targeted with mattresses and household items.
And although council workers regularly clear the mess, Mr Cormie said the sheer volume of rubbish means it is a never-ending task.
He added: “The guys do a good job but because it’s happening all the time, it’s a bit like painting the Forth Bridge – it never ends.
“Sometimes the mattresses are even set on fire very near to people’s cars.
“Rosemount is a fantastic area of the city, but stuff like this can give it an undeserved bad name.”
Last night, the police issued a reminder to the public that dumping rubbish is an offence.
A spokesman for the force urged anyone who witnesses any incident to report it.
He said: “Fly-tipping, particularly of garden waste or household items, spoils the look of an area and can lead to the danger of wilful fireraising which can be a danger to local residents and property.
“If anyone sees fly-tipping in their area, we would urge them to report the persons or any vehicles involved.
“Fly-tipping is an offence and anyone caught could be prosecuted.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman confirmed that workers clear more than 400 illegally dumped items in the city every month.
He added: “Fly-tipping is not only unsightly and detrimental to the environment, it is also an offence. Aberdeen City Council currently clears an average of 446 illegally dumped items per month.
“Anyone who has unwanted household items that are too big or heavy for their domestic waste bins should contact the council as the items can be collected or taken to their nearest Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
“Residents can also report fly-tipping via the ‘Report It’ function on our website.”