Michael Gregson has called for tougher enforcement, prosecutions and fines to tackle what he described as a growing flytipping problem across the Highlands.

The Inverness Central Labour councillor said recent incidents reported by local residents highlighted what he believes is increasingly deliberate anti social behaviour damaging communities and the environment.

Gregson praised neighbours for reporting several incidents over recent days and warned that illegal dumping creates hazards, attracts vermin and places additional pressure on already stretched council services.

Commenting on the issue, Gregson said:

“I am grateful to neighbours for being observant and spotting, in the last few days, several incidents, of what is a growing problem.

“Flytipping is irresponsible and disrespectful to the whole community.

“It is a horrible and deliberate act of anti social behaviour, which needs firm enforcement action.

“Wherever it is done, it creates hazard and can encourage vermin.

“Moreover, it is a criminal offence under the Environmental Protection Act.

“Hard pressed Council Services in Waste and Environmental Health are working hard enough to fulfil their normal functions, and this behaviour simply undermines people’s efforts.

“There are some 60,000 incidents of Flytipping every year in the country, and the problem costs Scottish society £300m p.a.

“The Highlands and Islands are particularly vulnerable, as people seem to believe it doesn’t matter if you find a field or bit of ground to dump your waste.

“People should report littering and flytipping to the Council or the Police.

“Prosecutions, fines and even jail are appropriate for the perpetrators of this behaviour which is a blight on our communities and our environment.”

Flytipping continues to be a growing issue across rural Scotland where isolated roadsides, forestry tracks and open land are often targeted for illegal dumping.

Councils across the Highlands regularly face the costly task of removing discarded furniture, household waste, tyres, building materials and commercial rubbish from remote areas.

The issue has also become increasingly frustrating for communities who often feel they are paying the price both financially and environmentally for the actions of a small number of offenders.