Press Release 23rd July 2013

What a Waste

LITTER louts are on the rampage in Inverclyde - with a staggering 19,000 cases of fly-tipping reported over the past four years.

New figures reveal that more than 4,000 incidents were recorded over the last 12 months alone.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil is backing the Scottish Government's call to raise fixed penalty fines for littering to £200.

Mr McNeil said: "I welcome the consultation launched by the Scottish Government on the strategy to prevent litter and fly-tipping.

"It is clear that we have an attitude problem with regard to fly tipping and litter and as individuals we need to take more responsibility.

"Through education and increasing awareness we can, hopefully, reduce future offending.

"Unfortunately though, to change the behaviours of some we need to increase the likelihood of offenders being detected and I welcome the increase in fixed penalty fines for fly-tipping."

Mr McNeil, who visited Devol Glen to help highlight the problem of fly-tipping, believes that the area is on the way to tackling the litter louts spoiling our local environment - by educating young people.

Mr McNeil said: "I have been impressed by the work of the education department and their eco-schools initiative.

"Through their efforts they have raised awareness of the environment around them.

"Signage and recycling facilities are important but unfortunately for some in the community there is simply no respect for our beauty spots, our coastline or their neighbourhoods."