North Ayrshire Council has blasted people for dumping their rubbish in public places – saying they are putting unnecessary pressure on resources that are needed for the region’s most vulnerable residents.

Various incidents of dumped goods have been reported with items have been discarded in Sloan Avenue and Clark Drive, Irvine, in full view of neighbouring properties, while there have been other incidents across North Ayrshire.

Officers have been left angry by the selfish acts of a few and have vowed that anyone caught will be punished and fined.

The council’s Streetscene Enforcement team are now set to ramp up patrols, while they will also use mobile cameras to aid detection.

Anyone caught, whether in the act or retrospectively, will be hit with a £200 fixed penalty notice.

The council – who say the amount of dog mess is also on the rise – has urged residents to play their part by providing information.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, said: “Fly-tipping is always very, very selfish but in the situation we all face just now it is particularly hard to take. We all need to be in this together and this is just slowing us all down and is very frustrating.

“Our enforcement team are going to step up patrols and will hand out fines if they catch you or identify the culprits through investigation.

“We would urge you all to please show some consideration and think about the impact your actions may have. We need our resources – which don’t forget are really stretched just now – to be absolutely focused on those who really need them. “

The council has been forced to close their Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) during the pandemic.

Residents are urged to retain any larger items at home until either the HWRCs are re-opened and/or special uplift service resumes.

Anyone caught fly tipping is liable for a fine of £200, similarly, anyone not clearing up after their dog can be hit with a £80 fine.

 *************

Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the future of the Irvine Times, and the vital local news service we’ve provided since 1873, is under threat.

Please consider supporting the Irvine Times in whatever way you can – by paying just 90p for a copy of the paper, when you’re shopping for essential supplies for yourself and others, or by subscribing to our e-edition here.

Thanks – and stay safe.