Dumping disgrace

And now fed up locals are demanding action to preserve the Meldons from further damage.

Marc Holness, from Peebles, was walking through the area when he came across the latest spate of dumping at the site.

He told the Peeblesshire News: “Inconsiderate visitors have thoroughly ruined the spot in recent years. A group of local volunteers spent a weekend last year doing a clear up, but sadly this year it is worse than ever.

“I spent a few hours at the weekend clearing a few areas and gathering it up for collection whilst binning a load of it.

“There have been a few reports of injured pets, which really doesn’t surprise me with the amount of broken glass littering the area, as well as other foul items such as dirty nappies, sanitary towels and dumped chemical toilet contents.

“Now hypodermic needles have been found there too. It is really sad to see spots like this going to ruin. Something needs to be done.” According to Scottish Borders Council the whole area is the responsibility of Wemyss and March Estates.

But Martin Andrews, Estate Factor for Wemyss and March Estates, still believes the local authority has a role to play in resolving the matter.

“The site was created by the council. They have tried to wash their hands of it because they haven’t got any money, and they expect us to simply pick up the pieces," he said.

“I am certainly not aware of any animals being hurt, and bearing in mind the size of the site, there are plenty of animals there. I drove through there on Tuesday, there were some campers there and their campsite seemed reasonably tidy.

“I would like the council to fulfil the obligations they had when they set it up, to provide a public area and look after it. That’s what we think they should be doing.

“And we’d like to see the public take responsibility for their own rubbish and take it home with them, or put it in the bin, which has now been provided.”