A MOUNTAIN of tyres have been dumped at a Greenock beauty spot.

The illegal fly-tipping has blighted the landscape at Killochend at the north end of Loch Thom, next to the reservoir.

Local bird watcher Ronnie Smith was so disgusted by what he saw that he took a photo and immediately sent it to the Tele.

Ronnie said: "I think it's ridiculous and is an eyesore.

"Surely companies have some sort of checks to show that tyres are being disposed of properly?

"The only way to stop this is for somebody to visit companies and ask for proof of where their tyres are going."

Mike Holcombe, who is a senior ranger at the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, said the fly-tipping could a potential health hazard.

He said: "It's so frustrating.

"My concern is that they tyres have been dumped next to the town's drinking water supply.

"I think that always poses a danger."

Mike says the tyres are a blight on the stunning local landscape.

He added: "We did a guided walk recently around the north end of Loch Thom with people from Inverclyde and outside the area.

"It was embarrassing as the first thing we saw was piles of tyres."

Mike said he has reported the incident to Scottish Water.

A spokeswoman for Scottish Water has reassured the public that the tyres pose no risk to the public water supply.

She said: "We are aware of this issue and are looking into matter.

"We are confident there is no risk to the public water supply."