A GREEN community activist says the latest bout of fly-tipping in Inverclyde is a 'deliberate act of environmental vandalism'.

Stephen Henry spotted discarded bags of stones - believed to be materials used to roughcast houses - strewn across Mirren Shore in Port Glasgow.

He took photographs of the mess, with over 14,000 people viewing them.

Port councillor Jim MacLeod has stepped in to ask officials to remove the mess, which was dumped less than a week after community campaigners had appealed for the historic shoreline to be upgraded.

Mr Henry, who runs local environmental group 'Literati Guide to Inverclyde', told the Tele: "It is just selfish and a real act of vandalism on our environment.

"I spotted the bags on Friday evening and it looks as though it's been unscrupulous builders who have chosen to discard of their materials when the Pottery Street depot is less than five minutes away.

"Some people are blaming the council's policies for accessing recycling centres for the actions, however it is clearly just people with no regard for the area.

"Behaviour needs to be changed - this is just one example of actions like this happening across Inverclyde."

Stephen, who is currently organising a environmental workshop next month under the banner Take Pride In Inverclyde, believes 'education is required before enforcement'.

He said: "We have noticed a considerable difference over the years at our litter picks - before when we could fill dozens of bags, we are maybe only filling 12 now.

"Whilst it is still bad, it proves that people are beginning to take notice of the environment around them.

"We are seeing a change, but we need to continue to take action as each of us are responsible for our environment."

Councillor MacLeod has urged the public to report fly-tippers as the bill for the aftermath hits everyone in the pocket.

He added: "This is a ridiculous thing to be happening and sadly we are seeing it across Port Glasgow and the rest of Inverclyde.

"If we reduce rates for commercial vehicles to use refuse sites, that money needs to come from another budget.

"These selfish actions are continuing to cost the council and ultimately fall on every tax payer.

"It is the duty of everyone to report incidents to the police or the council to stop this happening in our area."