An Aberdeen councillor has hit out at “disgusting” cigarette ends which are littering a scenic city community.
Hazlehead, Queens Cross and Countesswells independent member, Jennifer Stewart, has called for smokers to be more considerate in the Queens Cross area, which she says is becoming blighted by discarded cigarettes.
Mrs Stewart, who is also the city’s depute provost, said that with the ongoing financial constraints at the council, people would need to be more community-minded.
She said: “We are often criticised as a council, but I think it is important that people also take responsibility for their own litter.
“The cigarette stubs are all over the bus stops and near the banks in Queens Cross – it’s disgusting.
“Everyone needs to have a bit of respect for their environment and the city because ultimately someone cleans it up and we all pay for it out of our taxes.
“Smoking is a horrible habit, but everyone is allowed to choose their vices and, if people want to smoke, of course they can.
“But it is not fair to expect everyone else to clean up after them.”
The effect of litter in the city has hit the headlines this month.
Volunteers cleaning up the Donmouth nature reserve found nearly pristine crisp and chocolate packets from more than 20 years ago this week.
Meanwhile, 321 black bags of rubbish were collected during a 24-hour litter pick around the city recently.