A HELENSBURGH local has spoken about her frustration with the mess of litter and lack of seagull-proof bins as she walks her dogs every morning along the beach.
Joanne McIntosh walks her two collies every morning along Helensburgh’s coastline near her home on West King Street and collects a full bag of rubbish left behind on the beach as she does so.
Joanne has now made her frustrations known to the council and local MP Brendan O’Hara, asking them what can be done about constant littering that plagues the area.
Joanne told the Advertiser: “I am not an eco-warrior, nor am I particularly political – I just believe we have one planet for ourselves, children and creatures of this world and we should all take responsibility for its care and wellbeing.
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“Every day I collect a bag full of rubbish. I do this willingly, as do several other dog walkers.
“However, I also feel through my council tax levy that the council should provide both adequate amounts of seagull proof bins and daily collections from these, particularly at popular areas.
“I know for a fact that I put the plastic bowl I found on the beach on Friday, July 10 in the photographed bin at Kidston Park.
"It was still there on Saturday, July 11, as were the carry-out chip papers scattered around the grassed area, which have been pulled out by the seagulls. The children’s play area was strewn with carry-out coffee cups.”
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Argyll and Bute’s MP, Brendan O’Hara of the SNP, commented on Joanne’s community spirit: “I am really grateful to community-minded people like Joanne who regularly do their bit to help improve the local environment and protect wildlife by picking up litter.
“I am fully supportive of her call for more seagull-proof bins. They have made a real difference elsewhere and as well as preventing seagulls from pulling waste out, should also reduce the risk of an unwanted increase in vermin in these public areas.
“I have raised Joanne’s concerns with the council and hope they will look to install more bins.
“As we continue our transition out of lockdown, spending time outdoors is crucial to mental and physical well-being and we would all benefit from this being done in a safe and clean environment.”
An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “That anyone would choose to leave litter anywhere is shameful.
“Bins are emptied frequently, but in good weather and on holidays they can fill up fast. When that is the case, people should take their litter away with them.
“We are incredibly grateful to members of the community like Joanne who take pride in their local areas and give their time to pick up litter.
“In no circumstances is it acceptable to leave rubbish scattered about on the ground for others to clear up – whether kind-hearted individuals or council workers.”
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