A BUSINESSMAN has blasted the disgusting level of fly-tipping sweeping Inverclyde - and warned that the high cost of disposing of commercial waste locally could be fuelling it.

Thomas Ferns, who has worked in the industry for decades, has been appalled to see van-loads of rubbish being tipped onto Inverclyde's streets and beauty spots and says it must stop.

In recent weeks the Tele has highlighted rubbish being abandoned in numerous locations across the district by brazen lawbreakers - from the Old Largs Road countryside to Greenock Cemetery, residential streets and beauty spots.

Mr Ferns says that while he is angered like everyone else, he also feels it is time for the council to acknowledge that there is an underlying problem which could be contributing towards the anti-social behaviour which is costing a fortune to clear up.

Thomas, 49, who recently started his own firm, said: "Inverclyde is one of the most expensive places in the country to dispose of waste.

"It costs £92 for a half a tonne.

"Businesses have to pass that on to customers.

"To stay competitive people need to go out of the area, but what is happening now is that waste is just getting dumped.

"It is outrageous to see what happens.

"I really think we need to look at this again."

Thomas, who runs West Coast Waste, believes the council could cut fly-tipping at a stroke by reassessing its charging scheme, but the local authority does not agree.

The council has issued repeated warnings about fly-tipping but they are having little effect as the problem escalates.

An Inverclyde Council spokesperson said: “There is simply no excuse for fly-tipping and no excuse for not disposing of waste properly and responsibly.

“It’s illegal, anti-social and has a detrimental impact on the environment.

“Businesses have a legal obligation and duty of care to recycle and dispose of trade waste responsibly and via a licensed waste carrier.

"We provide trade waste services to support local businesses.

"Not all councils have such services.

“Our rates are comparable with other parts of Scotland but businesses are free to seek the services of registered commercial or private waste operators should they choose to do so.

“Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and we will always pursue the harshest punishment where there is sufficient evidence to allow us to do so.

“But we need the public to help catch those responsible and serve justice."

*People can report fly-tipping via the Dumb Dumpers helpline on 0845 2 30 40 90 or through the Inverclyde Council Customer Service Centre on 717171.”