A CONSERVATIVE councillor is calling on Scotland’s First Minister to let recycling centres reopen amid fears of a surge in fly-tipping in East Lothian.

Craig Hoy, Haddington and Lammermuir ward member, urged Nicola Sturgeon to relax current guidelines to let people get rid of their rubbish after the UK Government reopened waste centres in England and Northern Ireland opened theirs as well.

Speaking on behalf of the Conservative Group on East Lothian Council, Councillor Hoy said: “If it’s permissible for B&Q to be open in Scotland, our dumps should be up and running too.

“Recycling centres are an easy environment for social distancing and the move is necessary to halt the significant increase in fly-tipping we have seen since the lockdown.”

Social media in East Lothian has been flooded with pictures of illegal dumping at roadsides and in farmers’ fields across the county.

Recycling centres were closed after a ban was introduced on non-essential travel.

Local authorities took the view that a visit to the centres was not essential and therefore they should be closed.

Mr Hoy said  fly-tipping was not a victimless crime, adding: “Some of our rural areas have seen a rise in fly-tipping, which is a criminal act. This is not a victimless crime. We should be tough on those responsible and make sure prosecutions follow if they are caught.”

He added: “During the lockdown, many residents have been very patient, storing rubbish from DIY projects or cupboard clear-outs at home.

“Recycling centres are a core service and can be easily adapted to ensure social distancing takes place. It’s time the First Minister got her finger out and lifted the dump ban.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government continues to work closely with COSLA, local authorities and other partners to sustain waste and recycling services and to address ongoing issues.

“This includes consideration of how household waste recycling centres could operate in a way that is compatible with physical distancing requirements and wider restrictions on public travel.”

 

Thank you for reading this story. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper if you have not already.

Trusted news has never been so important - and neither has your support.

The Courier is not immune to the severe pressures brought on businesses up and down the land by the Covid-19 lockdown.

So if you are able to buy a copy for yourself - and maybe even for a neighbour too who is not able to get to the shops - then we would be very grateful.

And if you do wish to support us, please check with your local newsagent to see if they can deliver the Courier to you.

There is also an E-Edition that can be read on your PC, phone or tablet - just click the ‘E-Edition’ tab under the Courier masthead on the homepage of this website for more details.

We want to be able to continue telling you all about our community heroes: our NHS staff, council staff, teachers, carers, shop owners and shop workers, posties and bus and train drivers and the army of volunteers in every town and village helping the vulnerable.

But we need your support to do so. If you can, please buy a paper. And keep safe and keep well.

Thank you.