USERS OF Perth’s skatepark have been accused of blighting the city’s South Inch parkland with litter.
Large amounts of rubbish in particular discarded food and drink waste have been regularly building up around the site, despite the bins nearby.
Residents have become increasingly concerned by the impact on the surrounding area and Perth and Kinross Council has now challenged users to be more responsible.
The skatepark opened in the summer of 2002 after local fundraising, becoming Scotland’s largest park of its kind.
It enjoys extensive use by local skaters, skateboarders and cyclists but the littering has been too much to bear for some locals.
Perth resident Robin Carrie is among those who have noticed the build-up and though he supports the facility, he has now called on users to change their ways.
“Walking my dogs in the South Inch, I have been unable to help but notice the amount of litter that had built up around the skatepark,” he said.
“The grassy area behind where the folk sit has at times resembled a landfill site, with plastic bags and used burger wrappers scattered around.
“I can’t understand why this has built up to such a degree, as large bins have been provided at the far side of the skatepark.
“The skatepark is a well-used facility but it comes with a cost and those that litter should be made to clean up.
“It’s up to the users of the skatepark to clean up their mess better that than it be taken away because of the actions of a few lazy louts.”
A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council echoed those comments, saying: “The council would urge everyone who uses public parks to dispose of their litter properly.
“They should either use the litter bins provided, or take litter away with them and dispose of it at home.
“This kind of littering spoils the enjoyment of our open spaces for everyone else and is unacceptable.”
Since the construction of the Perth skatepark, further facilities have followed in communities across Perth and Kinross, with those in Pitlochry, Kinross, Crieff and Blairgowrie and Rattray all backed by the efforts of local youngsters.
mmackay@thecourier.co.uk