A Moray resident on a one-man crusade to rid the region’s coast and riverbanks of litter has called on the council to clean up its act.
Pete Miners has amassed more than 1,250 discarded bottles in just over a year, and says his collection is proof that the local authority is not doing enough to keep local beauty spots rubbish-free.
The Elgin man said: “I’m getting frustrated that the council does not seem to be paying much attention to places that are out of the way.
“Areas along the River Lossie seem to be out of the reach of volunteers and council squads, so litter really builds up there.”
Mr Miners, a full-time carer for his mum, says he has retrieved 1,250 glass bottles from the River Lossie alone.
He has also cleaned areas including Pitgaveny Wood, the estuary at Moray Leisure Centre and the Lossiemouth East Beach, gathering rubbish together in the hope that the authorities will come and deal with it.
Moray Council commended Mr Miners for his work, and urged the public to think about the impact of littering.
A spokesman said: “The issue Mr Miners raises is one of littering and fly-tipping by members of the public who ought to have more consideration for the environment and public safety.
“The council does not have the resources to seek out every item of rubbish which people choose to discard indiscriminately and Mr Miners is to be commended on his community-spirited actions in attempting to clear up the mess – albeit created by others.
“Unfortunately, Mr Miners tends to deposit the accumulated material in places which are inaccessible and which council vehicles and collection crews are unable to reach.”
Forestry Commission ranger Neil Theodoreson said: “We take littering and fly-tipping very seriously.
“We are very pleased that people like Pete are highlighting the issue and doing a lot about it. We will support his efforts to clear it up.”