A Scots homeowner in Edinburgh has expressed his frustration and feelings of hopelessness as fly tipping in his community continues to spiral out of control. Keir Liddle, 43, and his partner Amanda Gilmour, along with other neighbours, have grown tired of the continuous dumping of rubbish in their housing scheme. The couple first noticed the issue when they viewed their flat in Granton around three years ago and were promised that the build-up of debris would be cleared for a local bonfire. However, over the years, they have seen their communal back green area inundated with household waste like nappies and furniture pieces.
The communal green space, meant for residents of several flats in the area, has become a dumping ground, attracting foxes and vermin, making it nearly unusable for families. While the council has made efforts to clean up the area a few times, Keir has found it challenging to get a prompt response, often having to persistently request action. He is now advocating for collaborative efforts between homeowners, tenants, and authorities to focus on prevention rather than reactionary clean-ups.
Despite the council’s engagement events and awareness campaigns, the fly tipping issue persists, leading Keir to suggest installing CCTV cameras or enhancing the area to deter dumpers. Keir and Amanda, who cherish their community, are calling for more proactive measures to maintain the cleanliness and appeal of their neighbourhood. In the face of ongoing challenges, they remain hopeful for positive changes to address the root cause of the problem.
The couple’s determination to tackle fly tipping showcases their commitment to improving their living environment and fostering a sense of community responsibility. By sharing their story, Keir and Amanda are urging for collective action and support to address the issue effectively, ensuring a cleaner and more pleasant neighbourhood for all residents.