A LARGS MSP has warned council bosses that flytipping could increase as he seeks to return removed recycling points in the town.

Earlier this year, recycling facilities were taken away from Morrison's Supermarket and Vikingar! leisure centre.

Residents have since raised concerns about the lack of access to the facilities with Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson.

Mr Gibson said: "The recycling points that used to be located at Morrisons and Vikingar! were removed, causing inconvenience to those who used them.

"A number of constituents have since raised their concerns. I have contacted North Ayrshire Council to enquire why these units were removed and to ask what alternative arrangements are in place for people in Largs when it comes to recycling - highlighting that not everyone can access the dump on the A760 and fly-tipping could therefore increase."

Neighbourhood Services have since responded to Mr Gibson's plea.

A council officer said: “The recycling point at Morrisons was removed due to members of the public continually dumping large quantities of general waste next to the recycling containers. 

The recycling area pictured before it was removed by NACThe recycling area pictured before it was removed by NAC (Image: Ian Murdoch)

“The council had to pay for staff to tidy this area almost daily and for the disposal of illegally dumped material.

"Morrisons also kept their general waste bins in this area despite repeated requests to removed them. 

“These were only emptied occasionally by a private contractor and left to overflow which also contributed to the untidiness of the area. 

“Likewise, the recycling point at Vikingar was removed due to the mess from fly tipping next to the containers. 

(Image: Ian Murdoch)

“The council provides a kerbside collection service for the materials that were collected at these recycling points: glass, cans and plastics in the purple bin and paper and card in the blue bin. 

“If householders have the need to use recycling points in addition to their domestic bins, we have waste awareness officers that can advise on managing their waste. 

“Residents who are unable to access the Recycling Centre at Haylie Brae for larger items, can use the council’s bulky uplift service or donate household furniture and mattresses to Cunninghame Furniture Recycling who will collect them.”

Mr Gibson responded: "It is disappointing that the actions of a few thoughtless people led to these actions but one hopes that NAC may reconsider in the weeks and months ahead."

Read about the original removal of the facilities at https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/news/24357624.north-ayrshire-council-remove-recycling-bins-morrisons/.