A field left empty after the council demolished flats in Bonhill has been blighted by fly-tippers. The field – opposite a play area between Pappert and Braehead Drive – has become a haven for fly-tippers dumping household goods and litter.

Pappert resident Brian Hatfield told the Reporter the issue had been going on for more than a year.

He said: “You can’t even see the rubbish sometimes because the grass and hedges are so overgrown. People are dumping mattresses, and bins and furniture.” Around a decade ago, the field housed a block of flats refurbished by West Dunbartonshire Council before tearing them down a year later. Since then it has laid empty.

Mr Hatfield said: “Nothing has been done since they tore down the flats. It’s immediately opposite a children’s play area, and the kids sometimes cut through that field for a shortcut to the playground.

“It could be dangerous for the kids walking through it and over the rubbish.

“I’m also concerned about rats and other vermin as there is so much household waste.” Mr Hatfield added: “The Council’s Greenspace officer John Millar and Michelle McGinty went on a walk around the estate to survey residents, they have surely seen the rubbish and the state of the field. Why have they not done anything about it? It’s a scenic area, and if they wanted to keep it for conservation, that would be fine, but they have to pick up all the rubbish first.” A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesman said: “We visited this site in recent weeks and are now considering what options are available to improve the area. Our litter control officers will also remove any dumped material from the area.

“Once the site is cleared we would encourage anyone who witnesses fly tipping at this site – and anywhere else in West Dunbartonshire – to contact the council.”