Galston litter pickers have voiced concerns over a ‘horrifying’ amount of plastic waste lying at the roadside.
The startling discovery was made at the town’s annual clean-up.
Volunteers collected tyres, supermarket trolleys, a mattress, a carpet, a bike and road signs at the event.
And those who have taken part in the clean-up for the past decade say that roadside litter is on the increase.
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Irvine Valley councillor Sally Cogley, who organised the event, said: “A huge assortment of rubbish was collected, including tyres, two supermarket shopping trolleys, road signs, hydraulic hose, a bicycle, a mattress and a carpet.
“In addition to this extensive debris was removed from the side of the river plus over 300 bags were filled with fizzy drink cans, bottles, crisp packets and other detritus.
“A number of the volunteers who have loyally turned up at this event for the last 10 years or so remarked that the quantity of roadside litter has visibly increased.
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“While superficially some stretches of road may not look too bad, closer examination reveals a horrifyingly deep level of plastic waste that builds up over the year.”
This year’s clean-up saw a record number of young people turn out, with more than 80 folk taking to the streets from 10 community groups.
Numbers were boosted by 16 players from Galston Boys’ Football Club who, along with younger siblings, parents, friends and coaches, cleared the Chris Hoy Cycle Way. The Wild Life Warriors from Galston Primary School sorted out Portland Park.
The areas cleared included Barrmill Stadium, the River Irvine Walk, Portland Park and surrounding areas, The Chris Hoy Cycle Way from Galston to Hurlford.
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The following roadsides were also cleared: the B7037 from Galston to Sorn Hill and up to the Gibb of Galston Viewpoint, the A719 from the lay-bys to Galston, the A71 from the Bobbin to the bowling club and a significant stretch of the banks of the River Irvine.
The community groups also included Galston Community Council, The Rotary Club of Loudoun, Galston Parish Church, Galston Angling Club, the Kilmarnock Harriers, Cessnock Castle Squad and the unpaid work squad.
Councillor Cogley thanked everyone involved.
