Family calls for drinkers at Sanquhar hut, Forres to take their empties with them

A LOCAL family is calling for young drinkers who gather at a woodland hut to take their rubbish with them.

Andrew Clark, his partner Ashleigh Murphy and her girls Lexi and Lola from Castlehill Road were out cycling when they came across a large number of empty beer cans and booze bottles at the bike shed near the Sanquhar bike trails.

Andrew said: "We are absolutely disgusted with the amount of litter that has accumulated there. There are multiple whole and smashed glass bottles, and several cans ... there is even a used condom in the bushes!"

The Gazette reported a similar mess dumped at the popular meeting place in August when passers-by cleared up a large pile of broken glass.

At that time, Forres Community Woodlands Trust, who are responsible for the area, confirmed the spot has been popular with partying youngsters since the hut was built, and more so since the bird hide at Chapleton was burned down.

FCWT members and volunteers regularly clear up the debris and unfortunately confirm that the shed is also often vandalised.

Forres Police Sergeant Stephen Carmichael told Forres Community Council's November online meeting that officers are aware of the issues and make regular patrols in the area in the evenings and at weekends.

"We are regular users of the woodland trails," added Mr Clark. "A dog walker we spoke too wants folk to watch their pets don't cut their paws or legs.

"My partner's kids were so disappointed when they saw all the rubbish so we picked it up off the trails."