Fly tipping continues to plague rural community in West Lothian

Fire crews were called to extinguish a pile of debris that had been set alight after being fly tipped in the sleepy back roads near Winchburgh.
By Jacob Farr
Published 29th Oct 2020, 07:00 BST
Fly tipped debris that was set alight and then distinguished by the SFRSFly tipped debris that was set alight and then distinguished by the SFRS
Fly tipped debris that was set alight and then distinguished by the SFRS

The incident is believed to have occurred around 10:30pm last Monday night on what locals refer to as Coal Road.

This is said to be just the latest act of fly tipping to plague the quiet community.

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Locals are said to be angered by this latest act of criminality and have spoken of their displeasure at the growing number of fly tipping cases in the area.

Resident Paul Bland, 42, said: “I’ve lived all over the country settling in Scotland a number of years ago and moving out to West Lothian about six years ago. The backroads of West Lothian are awash with dumping sites. It really is shocking how bad the problem is around here.

“The suggestion was that the problem was bad because the council started to charge for uplifts. In truth the problem was really bad even before this. I think the network of back roads are just too tempting for unscrupulous junk clearers. It’s embarrassing how bad the problem is.”

In response to the incident, Community Sergeant Keith Jack of Police Scotland, had a statement posted to the Winchburgh community group on Facebook.

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He expressed the frustration and disappointment at members of the public continuing to litter, steal and fly tip in the rural communities of West Lothian.

Sgt Jack said: ““We take these issues seriously and are fortunate in West Lothian to have 2 officers who are tasked with reducing rural crime as part of their wider duties.

“Like everything we need your help. If you witness anything suspicious, safely note descriptions and vehicle details, if you can and pass your concerns on to us.

“Be mindful also of rogue traders offering to dispose of your waste or rubbish.”

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Penny Lochhead, Community Manager, Winchburgh Developments Ltd (WDL) said: “We very much appreciate the community’s assistance in reporting any incidences of fly tipping to us which allows us to swiftly deal with the problem and take action to prevent this happening again in particularly troublesome spots.”

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