Council environment bosses are looking to roll out a ‘Report-It’ app as they look to tackle the problem of fly tipping in Renfrewshire.

With public complaints about illegal dumping on the rise, the local authority has made it a priority to introduce an app which allows people to report incidents via their smartphone.

It’s a decision which comes as the council considers ways to get to grips with fly tipping from private households, commercial businesses and organised offenders.

The number of complaints has increased from 1, 292 in 2014/15 to 1,455 in 2017/18.

Meanwhile, the figure for the first eight months of the 2017/18 financial year stands at 957.

The four locations where fly tipping complaints have risen this year are all in Paisley, with hikes seen in Braehead Road, Clarence Street, George Street and Gleniffer Road.

Gleniffer Road is currently the worst affected spot in Renfrewshire, with 29 incidents recorded this year already – a figure which stood at just six in 2014/15.

However, council officers could take the lead from other local authorities in Scotland as they strive to take care of the environment in Renfrewshire.

The use of physical barriers has been suggested, which could see fences and signs built at known fly tipping hotspots to discourage further dumping.

The council already has CCTV – both covert and overt – in use but noted its limitations as dumpers often conceal their identity and may use false number plates on their vehicles.

A reward scheme for members of the public who report fly tipping that leads to prosecution is also being considered.

Educating young people on the problem and effects of illegal dumping on the environment has been a key priority for the council, with a focus on raising awareness in schools.

A new fly tipping booklet is being developed as part of the school curriculum.

Officers are also planning to meet with peers at North Ayrshire Council to learn whether increased issuing of fixed penalty notices has been successful.

A total of 140 £200 notices were issued in North Ayrshire in 2017, compared to five in the same period in Renfrewshire.

A report on fly tipping will be considered at Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Board on Tuesday.