Staff at two Ayrshire tips have been subjected to abuse and intimidation from members of the public, worried bosses claim.
Now council chiefs are appealing for residents to show respect to workers – or face being reported to police.
The warning follows a number of recent incidents at the Bartonholme tip in Irvine and the recycling facility in Kilbirnie.
North Ayrshire Council say staff have been abused and intimidated simply for carrying out their jobs.
Thomas Reaney, the head of commercial services, said: “We will not accept any form of violence, harassment or abuse of our staff.
“The overwhelming majority of residents who use our waste recycling centres are courteous and kind.
“However, we have had a small number of incidents of abuse which no one should ever have to face during the course of their job.
“Our staff have continued to deliver services throughout the pandemic, often in difficult and challenging circumstances, so it’s very disappointing to hear of these incidents.
“We would ask people to show our staff the same kind of courtesy and kindness they would expect to be shown.”
The council say it will not accept abusive behaviour towards its staff and perpetrators may be reported to the police.
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