A new initiative is taking place this summer to target illegal waste dumping. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, (SEPA), Strathclyde Police and all three Ayrshire Councils are joining forces to tackle those who pollute our towns and countryside. Offenders range from householders dumping garden rubbish to businesses dumping commercial waste. Anyone caught is liable to prosecution and with fines of up to £20,000 this is a real deterrent. Techniques will include surveillance, use of video cameras and painstaking detective work to trace the source of illegal waste.

Fly-tipping damages our environment and encourages vermin. It is totally unnecessary. South Ayrshire Council operates a free uplift service to householders, (Phone 08457 697520) and provides free civic amenity sites. Modest charges apply to small businesses.

Householders can help the Ayrshire authorities in the fight against pollution. Some persistent polluters are 'cowboys' who offer to do work on your home - tree pruning, drive laying, window and facia replacement, kitchen and bathroom renovations. A bona fida operator will answer 'yes' and give details to all the following questions:

· Is removal of the waste included in the price?
· Is he licensed with SEPA for carrying waste?
· Is he taking the waste to a licensed site?

If the answer to any question in 'no' there is a risk that the waste may be fly-tipped.

And if you are suspicious of 'flyers' offering services, or if you see someone fly-tipping, you can report it to the police, your local council or SEPA:
SAC - 08457 697520
SEPA - 01292 294000
Ayr Police office - 01292 664000

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Convenor of Community Protection and Support Services for South Ayrshire Council has given his support to this summer's campaign .

David Wilbraham, Team Leader at SEPA's local office said : "Fly-tipping is an insult to the people of Ayrshire. A householder caught recently claimed 'everyone round here does it'. In fact, most people care about Scotland's environment; only a minority dump their rubbish. Causing pollution is an offence and polluters must pay the price."

Chief Superintendent Bill Campbell, the Divisional Commander for the whole of Ayrshire said: "Ayrshire is one of the most beautiful areas in Scotland and I am determined to keep it that way. My officers will work tirelessly, in partnership with SEPA and South, North and East Ayrshire Councils, to identify those who are polluting our country side.

"We will use all methods at our disposal to discourage 'flytipping' and where appropriate, charges will be proffered and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal who will consider prosecution."

Note

• You are invited to attend the official launch/photocall for this initiative Monday 10th July at 10:30 at Dundonald Castle, Ayrshire - organised by East Ayrshire Council