Fly tipping fury as Port Glasgow man hits out at 'dumping ground' in town
Peter McIntyre hit out after sofas, fridges, freezers, toys and grass cuttings were among the items dumped out in the open in Parkhill Avenue.
Peter McIntyre, 72, says the mess is getting worse, with people simply throwing items over a nearby wall instead of going to the council's recycling depot at Pottery Street.
Mr McIntyre, who has labelled the area 'the new Pottery Street', has complained to River Clyde Homes (RCH), who own the land, and spoken to several politicians in a bid to get something done.
Peter McIntyre with local councillor Chris Curley in Parkhill Avenue. (Image: George Munro)
Sofas, fridges, freezers, toys and grass cuttings are among the dumped items. (Image: George Munro) He said: "There's more stuff getting dumped here than in Pottery Street.
"It's happening all over the area. It's time Inverclyde Council came back and took over from River Clyde Homes.
"If Inverclyde Council had been in charge this would have all been cleared up.
(Image: George Munro) "It's blatant. People are dumping things right in from of these houses in Parkhill Avenue - three piece suites, fridges and freezers. Guys are cutting people's grass and dumping the cuttings over the wall.
"There's builder's materials as well.
"This is the new Pottery Street. Then it is getting covered with grass and leaves from the trees.
"There's new stuff underneath and it is from shops, including cans and bottles."
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Mr McIntyre, of High Carnegie Road, says that all that is needed is CCTV to catch culprits and then have their vehicles seized as a warning to others.
He added that it's not only an eyesore but it smells too.
Among those Mr McIntyre has contacted seeking help is local councillor Chris Curley - who agrees on the need for action, and says that while RCH has removed items, the sheer scale of the problem makes it difficult to fix.
Councillor Curley told the Telegraph: "I have been in contact with River Clyde Homes who have suggested erecting a fence to dissuade people from dumping rubbish, as it is a low wall, we have also asked for CCTV in the past."
Councillor Curley said he had been reported the issues for a couple of years.
"It's a large area over a quarter of a mile, that is the issue," he continued
"It is the tenants of RCH that have to pay the increased cost caused by fly tipping.
(Image: George Munro) "I would urge people to dispose of their refuse responsibly and, if anyone sees anyone dumping rubbish, to report it. Community safety officers also patrol the area."
He also added that CCTV could be a possibility.
A River Clyde Homes spokesperson said: "We are aware of fly-tipping on land at Parkhill Avenue and have already cleared the site several times.
"In an effort to mitigate the recurring issue, we are currently looking into the construction of fencing around the area concerned.
"We bear the expense of removing fly-tipped waste from our land, which is a substantial and costly drain on resources that could otherwise be invested in crucial services improvements directly benefitting tenants, such as estate maintenance, property upgrades, or community programmes.
"River Clyde Homes are also working with Inverclyde Council's environmental enforcement team to address issues of fly-tipping across several areas.
"We join them in strongly condemning the selfish and irresponsible practice of fly-tipping and encourage everyone to use the proper channels for waste disposal.'
Inverclyde Council was also asked for a comment but said it wasn't on council land and there had been no council involvement.
A council spokesperson said: "We, of course, strongly condemn fly-tipping and would always encourage people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly, including through the recycling centres.
"There is also a bulky uplift service for a small fee, as well as rubbish disposal options for businesses.
"Information about the services we provide and how to report fly-tipping is on the council website."
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