It’s time to get tough with fly-tippers.
That is the message from two politicians who were disgusted after seeing the state of the land surrounding Shieldmuir Station in Craigneuk.
Tory MSP Graham Simpson and North Lanarkshire councillor Nathan Wilson were appalled at the “horrendous, garbage-laden” state of the area due to illegal fly-tipping.
The Conservative colleagues were saddened to see discarded furniture, mattresses, pieces of wood and piles of general household waste including nappies and empty booze bottles and cans. And this comes just weeks after complaints were made about ongoing fly-tipping at nature spots and the Clyde Walkway in Netherton.
Mr Simpson and Councillor Wilson this week spoke out on behalf of concerned constituents, and have called on North Lanarkshire Council to take strong action.
MSP Simpson said: “It’s utterly irresponsible and criminal how some people are treating this land. The environmental and social impact of such disregard for public space cannot be understated.
“The problem will only be compounded if the waste remains and is not removed.
“It is incredibly important to maintain a clean and safe environment, not only for local residents but for local wildlife.
“Wishaw residents take great pride in their community and are rightly frustrated with those who fly-tip, and frustrated when it doesn’t get cleaned up.
“Of course we need to know who owns this land, which sits behind industrial units near the railway, but we want North Lanarkshire Council to do what they can to get it tidied up.”
Councillor Wilson added: “It’s horrendous and completely unacceptable to dump waste in this manner.”
We recently reported how farm animals and wildlife in Netherton were being put at risk by inconsiderate fly-tippers.
Piles of rubbish have been frequently dumped on the Clyde Walkway and near to Carbarns Farm, turning nature spots into eyesores.
Sharp objects are left behind that are potentially harmful to the badgers, foxes, rabbits and deer often spotted in the area.
And a lamb from the farm was distressed after getting its head stuck in an empty paint tin.
A North Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said that a range of actions are taken to deter fly-tippers, and that officers work closely with Police Scotland to identify vehicles and people responsible for incidents in North Lanarkshire.
People caught dumping illegally face a £200 fixed penalty notice or, in more serious cases, legal action leading to a fine of up to £40,000 and/or a prison sentence when caught.
The spokesperson called upon the public to report incidents of fly-tipping, providing as many details of the vehicles and individuals involved as possible.
To report fly-tipping, phone 01698 403110.
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