New approach transforms flytipping site

A new approach to deter fly-tipping at Hillington Park has been hailed a success after no further incidents were reported at the site following the completion of the project.

The £28,000 project transformed a small piece of land at Hillington Park which had previously been affected by fly-tipping.

Since the work was completed in April, there have been no further instances of fly-tipping at the site.

Local students designed colourful artwork based on the Commonwealth Games, which was displayed on fencing surrounding the unused land.

The fencing also promotes Renfrewshire Council’s Do Your Bit message, encouraging communities to help protect the environment and increase recycling.

The initiative is a joint venture between Renfrewshire Council, MEPC Hillington Park, West College Scotland, Robust Property and Zero Waste Scotland.

Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board, said: “The success of this initiative shows what we can achieve by taking a new approach to tackling flytipping.

“By working in partnership with local land managers MEPC and students at West College Scotland, we have transformed the site into a bright and positive place.

“Flytipping can become a real nuisance to local businesses and the community. This initiative reverses that blight and has been a real opportunity to develop new ways to prevent the dumping of rubbish on private and public land.

“We want to build on this success by providing more opportunities to work together with local organisations to transform potential eyesores into environmental assets.”

Iain Gulland, Director, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “The approach used in Hillington Park to discourage flytipping through vibrant and artistic messages, bringing in different parts of the community, has been a real success.

“Litter and flytipping are a blight on communities, and cost the public purse a substantial amount – £46million a year – to clean it up. That’s why it’s one of Zero waste Scotland’s top priorities to reduce the impact of litter and fly-tipping in Scotland.”

Jamie Cumming, Commercial Director for MEPC Hillington Park, said: “We’ve been delighted to be part of this initiative, working with Renfrewshire Council and West College Scotland. Many thousands of visitors, customers and staff come to Hillington Park every day and we want it to be a positive experience for every one of them.

“Our ten year plan will see up to £50m being spent on developing new sites and improving the infrastructure at Hillington Park and this particular project plays a part in making it a good place to visit and do business.”

Lola Paterson, Lecturer at West College Scotland, said: “This has been an incredible opportunity for our students who have responded with an excellent professional standard of work. This experience contributes greatly to them articulating onto university or future employment and showcasing their work in the year of the commonwealth games.”