A MOUNTAIN of rubbish has been discovered dumped next to the cycle track in Port Glasgow.

Environmental campaigner Stephen Henry was appalled to discover the mess on the grassy area just off Devol Avenue.

He has called for security cameras to be brought in to deter people from using the spot as a tip.

Mr Henry said: "All of this was all within a 10 metre stretch of the cycle track.

"Why doesn't the council erect a CCTV camera over the area and use this as an opportunity to catch and make an example of some individuals?"

Amongst the items abandoned was a mattress, along with general waste, white goods and furniture.

This is the latest in a series of fly-tipping incidents across Inverclyde in recent weeks.

Stuart McMillan MSP says this type of anti-social behaviour cannot be tolerated.

He said: “Fly-tipping can be hazardous to health, causes environmental damage, looks unsightly and costs considerable sums of taxpayers’ money to clean up.

"This behaviour is not acceptable.

“We all share the responsibility of making sure our household waste and rubbish is disposed of properly, so please make sure you use a reputable company to collect and dispose of your rubbish if you’re unable to do so yourself."

Earlier this year, the Tele reported how members of Port Glasgow West Community Council have been battling against illegal dumping for years.

They fear the problem is getting worse.

Activists Tommy Rodger and Anne Ross have called for extra security in known ‘hotspot’ areas - like Mackie Avenue and Devol Avenue - to catch culprits in the act.

A spokesperson from Inverclyde Council said: “The fly-tipping at Devol Avenue is on council-owned land and we will remove it.

"There are substantial items here and it must have taken some effort to get the rubbish out to Devol Avenue – probably more effort than it would have taken to take it to a recycling centre.

“Fly-tipping is totally unnecessary and dumb dumpers can face a £200 on the spot fine.

"If they’re convicted in court the fine can be as much as £40,000.

“This looks like it may have come from a house clearance.

"We would remind everyone that if they have work done by builders, or gardening firms or use a company to clear their house, they are ultimately responsible for making sure any rubble, cuttings or rubbish is disposed of properly.

"If it ends up being illegally dumped, then the householder can be fined.

"Littering is generally the result of small-scale, individual actions, sometimes deliberate, but often lazy or thoughtless.

"That's what Zero Waste Scotland said in its report on Scotland's Litter Problem.

"Installing CCTV is not a straightforward solution.

"The best answer is for those responsible for fly-tipping and littering to stop being lazy or thoughtless and to dispose of their rubbish properly.”