Kirkintilloch residents hit out at 'disgusting' fly-tipping amid complaints 'rats running wild'

A Kirkintilloch local believes the overflowing bins and fly-tipping has left many disheartened.

The resident snapped a photo of the bins located in the car park behind the Santander on the Cowgate on Wednesday, April 24.

The image shows a green waste bin with full black bin bags peering over the top of it. A sofa and a mattress appears to have been dumped at the side.

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The picture was posted to Facebook and has racked up 113 reactions.

A concerned resident told Glasgow Live: "When I saw it I felt deeply saddened and disappointed.

"It's disheartening to witness such disregard for our environment and community.

"Seeing litter and fly-tipping detracts from the beauty of the surroundings and also reflects a lack of respect for our local community. It's frustrating that Kirkintilloch has fell into such a state of decline."

Many commenters on the post agreed with the worried local.

One wrote: "That’s disgusting no wonder we have rats running wild."

Another added: "That is shocking. We really have a huge litter problem."

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The local authority are urging anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to get in touch immediately.

Ann Davie, Chief Executive of East Dunbartonshire Council, said: “Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and has a negative impact on public health and on the environment. Where culprits can be traced, or where the offence is suitably witnessed, then offenders will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for up to £500 by the Community Safety Team.

“Our officers work hard to gather any evidence and to fully investigate any new reports of this selfish behaviour.

“Items found to have been dumped on private land, become the responsibility of the land-owner who will be contacted to make them aware of the fly-tipping and to request removal of the items. Illicit tipping on council own land will be cleaned up by our Council services.

“Importantly, anyone who witnesses or notices fly-tipping can report it to the Council via our website or by calling 0300 123 4510.”