Livingston MP launches fly-tipping survey
Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has launched a new constituency-wide survey to hear directly from local people about the scale and impact of fly-tipping in their communities.
The Livingston Constituency Fly-Tipping Survey, which is already live on Facebook and receiving a strong response, invites residents to share their views on how serious the problem is in their area, where the worst hotspots are, and what more needs to be done.
Commenting as the survey went live, Mr Poynton said: 'Fly-tipping is a disgrace and far too many communities across the Livingston constituency are paying the price for SNP Scottish Government inaction.
'I've been out meeting local volunteers like the West Lothian Litter Pickers and residents who are fed up with dumped waste on our streets, near schools, in parks and in rural spots. It's not only an eyesore – it's dangerous too.
'I've already helped secure action in areas like Ladywell and Craigshill, but we all know it's happening in more places – and it shouldn't be left to volunteers to clean up this mess.
'That's why I've launched this survey – to hear directly from local people about the worst areas and what action they want to see. I'll use this evidence to put pressure on the Scottish Government, and work with the council and police to act where possible despite years of cuts to local budgets.'
The launch follows a recent parliamentary exchange in which Mr Poynton slammed the Scottish Government's enforcement record on fly-tipping, branding it 'quite frankly, rubbish.'
In the House of Commons last month, Mr Poynton highlighted shocking figures showing that just 1.2% of fly-tipping incidents in Scotland result in a fixed penalty notice – and only 0.02% lead to prosecution.
He praised the efforts of the West Lothian Litter Pickers and asked for stronger enforcement powers and support for local authorities.
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