Call for fellow Forres walkers to take responsibility for what they leave behind

A PILMUIR woman has spoken out against an increase in littering around a local beauty spot.

Dorothy Marshall of Pilmuir Road enjoys daily walks through the Greshop industrial estate to the River Findhorn and has noticed more and more rubbish being dumped on the banks.

She said: "I feel very lucky to be able to walk from my doorstep to the river to get fresh air and exercise. I tend to pass the same people each day enjoying the scenery who comment on the lack of respect that some people show by leaving their litter behind.

"It's really annoying to see the amount left by folk out walking or cycling. Someone must also have been out there recently having a party - they left their empties and wrappers."

She added: "There are quite a few people who walk their dogs along these paths and most are very good at clearing up any mess left but there's always the odd few who don't bother or, worse still, pick up the mess in a doggie bag then throw it down in one of the verges.

"This is despite there being a litter bin at the end of the path which runs between the field behind AJ Engineering and Greshop House."

Dorothy believes the problem has also been prevalent elsewhere in Forres for some time.

She said: "Before the pandemic I took my six-year-old grandson to the park next to Pilmuir Primary and there was always litter left around the children's play area in the field and even in the school playground.

"The children are taught not to be litter bugs at school - my grandson went on about it while helping me pick up crisp bags, juice cans and even wine bottles on our way back to my house.

"I've not been able to take him to the park for some time now but I certainly wouldn't allow him to pick up rubbish in the present circumstances - you can't risk picking up an infection.

"Even when I used to go and visit my son in Drumine Road, on the way home I often picked up rubbish thrown on the grass at the corner of Califer Road and Pilmuir Road, probably left by people on their way home from a night out."

Dorothy is at a loss as to how to solve the problem, pointing out that litterbugs already ignore warning signs and litter laws which include on the spot fines of £80 and, if a case goes to court, liability to pay up to £2,500.

She finished: "People are just lazy and can't be bothered collecting their rubbish to take it home or dispose of it in a bin on the way.

"I often wonder if they do the same at home if someone picks up after them!"

Moray Council's litter management policy is available at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_60234.html