The extent of the problem that faced South Ayrshire Council.
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A residential area in Ayr has received a comprehensive clean up thanks to the efforts of South Ayrshire Council.
The communal garden around Smith Street and Mill Street had been used for fly tipping and had become dangerous to health, as well as an eyesore. Waste Management Officers found rancid food, heavily soiled bedding and decaying dog faeces among household waste and junk during the clean up.
The job was made more difficult by the appalling smell, the dangers posed by broken debris and the hordes of flies, attracted to the rotting material.
Speaking after the operation, Councillor Peter Convery said: "This is a shocking example of fly tipping and poor waste control. The conditions in which our officers had to operate were horrendous and are a prime example of the operational difficulties encountered by our waste officers on a daily basis."
The Council has now committed to help make this area cleaner, safer and a more pleasant environment for residents, by supplying recycling bins to every household, to be collected from the flats every Friday.
The gardens will also be closely monitored for fly tipping, with offenders being actively pursued and prosecuted. Anyone fly-tipping waste is committing a serious offence, with a potential prison sentence.
Fly tippers can expect fines of up to £30,000, but if a judgment is obtained in the High Court, there is no upper limit to the fine.
If you see anyone dumping rubbish illegally then call South Ayrshire Council on 0845 601 2020.
The local Millfriars Tenants and Residents group have also been active helping to keep the area clean, completing their third litter pick recently.
Councillor Convery concluded: "Officers took photographs of the area before and after the clean up, which demonstrate exactly what they were confronted with and how well the area looked after the operation.
"It clearly highlights the need for all householders to dispose of their waste properly.
"Fly-tipping is unsightly, harmful and expensive, but the Council is here to help.
"If heavy or bulky items need collection, all you need to do is call the Council's waste collection service on 08457 697 520 and together, we'll make a real impact on reducing waste and fly tipping in our communities."