Community council chairman calls for action to tackle vandals and litter louts blighting villages along NC500
The chairman of a North Coast community council is urging public bodies to become more proactive in combating offending behaviour.
David Macleod, of Tongue, Melness and Skerray Community Council, has voiced the group's concern about a "rising tide of vandalism and littering" in the area, through which tourism route NC500 runs.
His call for action is supported by fellow community councils across the north – including Kinlochbervie, Scourie, Assynt and Coigach.
Mr Macleod spoke out following a recent incident in which human waste was left on a picnic bench in his area.
"This is only one of many such incidents reported across the Highlands. such deliberate disregard for the health of our residents and visitors alike is deplorable," he said.
He is urging Highland Council to empty bins in public parking areas more often and reopen all public toilets – including these previously closed under a cost-cutting exercise.
"In the short term, portaloos at strategic sites would help," he said.
The community councils would also like to see Police Scotland prosecute all offenders "no matter how minor the offence".
"We appreciate that the resources of the police and Highland Council are stretched but appeal to them to treat this matter urgently," said Mr Macleod. "Feelings are running high and action by the authorities is required immediately.”
