CALLS are being made for immediate action to be taken to drive out litter louts and inconsiderate campers from a Peeblesshire beauty spot.

But neither the owners nor the regional authorities are in any hurry to oblige.

For decades the Meldons has provided the perfect peaceful getaway for walks and picnics.

But a problem with littering, which has regularly been reported over the past eight or nine years, is escalating.

This week Peebles resident Marc Holness photographed the debris and destruction left by last weekend’s wild campers and other visitors.

Rubbish has been left at more than half a dozen sites along the usually peaceful single-track road.

Plastic bags and bottles have also been thrown or blown into the Meldon Burn.

And flytipping was evident with the burnt-out remains of building materials, a carpet and a pile of wood also photographed close to the road.

Mr Holness told us: “We have a beautiful country, and we should be proud of it.

“What I have seen just makes me feel ashamed that this is the way some feel is acceptable behaviour.”

Community councillors from nearby Eddleston have, in the past, raised the littering and vandalism issues with landowners Wemyss and March Estates.

And local authority councillors have also raised issues during meetings of Scottish Borders Council.

But little has been done to deter gangs from using the scenic area for overnight parties and irresponsible camping.

The Wemyss and March Estates factor responsible for the Meldons is currently on holiday and was unavailable for comment.

And Scottish Borders Council wouldn’t go any further than issue a plea for campers to act responsibly.

The spokesman said: “We encourage everyone to play their part and behave responsibly when enjoying the Scottish Borders countryside.”

Although the Meldons area is privately owned, littering, vandalism and fly-tipping are prosecutable crimes.

And reports are being passed onto the Police Scotland and the SBC-run Community Action Team.

We asked them for a comment but, at the time of going to press, none was forthcoming.