Abbotshaugh community woodland in Bainsford, which has been blighted by continuous flytipping over a period of years will finally be cleaned up thanks to funding secured from Zero Waste Scotland.

An award of £4,800 secured by Falkirk Council’s Litter Strategy Team will pay for a specialist contractor to clear up Abbotshaugh Community Woodland in Bainsford/Langless along with awareness raising work done within the local community and schools.

Two clean ups involving mostly volunteers have taken place since 2007. However due to the extent of the flytipping and access problems (the waste is on a steep verge) the work now requires specialist removal equipment.

Councillor Charles MacDonald, Convener of the Environment and Community Safety Committee said: “Abbotshaugh is a wonderful asset for the local community to have on their doorstep. Unfortunately household waste has and is still being illegally dumped on this site despite our best efforts.

“We are totally committed to keeping the Falkirk Council area clean and clear of litter, dog fouling and flytipping and spend millions each year removing waste dumped throughout the area. Householders must take responsibility for their own waste and dispose of it through the proper channels and stop blighting communities and green spaces with rubbish.

 “Although we will use most of this vital funding to remove the flytipping, we will also be out and about in the community raising awareness and gaining support to stop this needless blight!”

In the week of November 15th-20th tonnes of fly tipped rubbish which includes couches, fencing, old furniture, fridges, carpets and bricks will be removed in skips, segregated for recycling and composting, taking five full days.

After removal the site will be monitored regularly by a range of Falkirk Council services who patrol green spaces, all local residents will receive information, litter campaigning will take place in local schools and a Dumb Dumper sign will be erected on the site.

Abbotshaugh Woodland borders the HELIX site with the River Carron running alongside. Communities along the Carron are currently upgrading and cleaning up the river and its banks. The woodland has a diverse range of wildlife and schools often visit for nature walks.

Great news for Bainsford! What do you think of the clean up – and how can we help keep the woodland that way? Post your comments and have your say here on s1bainsford