Path cleared of bulky items and household waste.
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Hot on the heels of the successful clean up at Smith Street in Ayr, South Ayrshire Council has scored another environmental hit thanks to a fly tipping blitz at Loudon Terrace, Ayr.
Residents and golf club officials had complained that the secluded laneway backing onto St Cuthbert's Golf Club was being used for the large scale dumping of bulky household items and waste, creating an environmental nuisance and a public health hazard.
Complaints of littering in the area had also been made to the Council's Community Safety Officers who organised a meeting to discuss solutions.
Using a Problem Solving process developed by the Community Safety Partnership, it was agreed to tackle the fly tipping head on with a clean-up of the area and to warn householders of the penalties for fly tipping.
The clean up took place on Thursday 1st of July, with local residents, local young people, Community Support Officers, Problem Solving Officers and Waste Awareness Officials all working together in on the day.
Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment said: "There's absolutely no excuse for fly tipping and what has happened at Loudon Terrace is totally unacceptable. However, the response from those who helped us take action was simply fantastic.
"As part of the clean up, householders were given the opportunity to dispose of waste in a skip provided free of charge by the Council. This was welcomed by local residents and was filled twice within a matter of hours.
"Fly-tipping is a serious offence, with a potential prison sentence. The area will now be closely monitored and offenders will be actively pursued and prosecuted."
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.
Councillor Nan McFarlane, Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership said: "The inconsiderate activities of a small number of people can have a detrimental effect on local communities and we will not tolerate this in South Ayrshire.
We are committed to keeping our communities safe, clean and attractive and if you see anyone dumping rubbish illegally then either call South Ayrshire Council on 0845 601 2020 or speak to your local community safety officer."
Councillor Convery concluded: "Fly-tipping is unnecessary as the Council can help householders dispose of their waste safely and efficiently.
"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."