THE littering problem at Balloch Country Park has seen a vast improvement thanks to the work of local volunteers and park staff.

Over the past few weeks the local green space has seen a problem with rubbish strewn across the grass and beach as well as bins overflowing and reports of violence.

And last week the Reporter told about the Dumbarton man who was so frustrated with the state of the park that he took to joining other locals in cleaning up the rubbish themselves.

Maurice Donohue still visits the park every morning to walk his dogs, but also began removing the piles of rubbish that were left behind by visitors the night before.

Over the past week the park has been transformed thanks to the group, with the piles of rubbish gone and extra police presence maintaining order in the area.

Maurice told the Reporter: “I know there will be a lot of negativity and the problems need to be addressed, but the last two mornings in Balloch Park have been a welcome sight.

“I have been down in the park at 6am along with my wife and another volunteer and over the last two days, the park, especially at the slipway and shoreline, has been really tidy.

“There are a few odd bags of rubbish, but overall, it’s really looking good in all its natural beauty.

“These pictures are from Saturday and Sunday, before we started tidying up.

"This is what the general public at large don’t see, but it does give a little bit of hope.

“The police intervention has made a huge impact in dealing with the drinking of alcohol in the park.

“The problem has not been eradicated, but it does give a platform for the National Park and WDC to build upon with signage, education, facilities and resources.”

The progress comes after Police Scotland, British Transport Police, ScotRail and local authority partners stepped up their “Safe Summer Plan” for the area, providing extra resources and a visible presence in key areas and at key times.

West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl, who is also a councillor for the Balloch area, said: “I want to stress that Balloch remains a safe place to visit and enjoy and that there is an increased police presence and work going on in the background to deal with the problem element.”