RENFREWSHIRE'S worst fly-tipping hotspots during the coronavirus pandemic have been revealed.

Between the start of lockdown on March 23 and the end of October, there were 1,316 reports of illegal dumping in the area.

The most popular dumping ground was Gleniffer Road, in Paisley, with more than 20 complaints about this location recorded during that period.

Other hotspots in Paisley included Espedair Street, McKerrell Street, Clarence Street, Blackstoun Road and Wellmeadow Street.

Elsewhere, several complaints were made about fly-tipping in Moss Road, Linwood, and Old Greenock Road, which runs between Inchinnan and Langbank.

Among the items dumped were carpets, mattresses, freezers, microwaves, radiators, shopping trollies and Christmas trees.

However, the data – gained through a Freedom of Information request to Renfrewshire Council – suggests the vast majority of culprits are getting away with blighting the area’s environment.

During the period, only 61 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were handed out and just four of those were linked to Gleniffer Road.

Council chiefs insist wardens regularly patrol rural areas to prevent fly-tipping and said they would not hesitate to use cameras at a specific location if it is being targeted regularly.

A spokesman added: “Renfrewshire Council Community Safety Partnership is aware areas such as Moss Road, Gleniffer Road and Old Greenock Road are hotspots for fly-tippers.

“These are long, rural country roads which suffer from fly-tipping on intermittent spots.

“Renfrewshire wardens regularly patrol these areas and the public supply us with information where they have witnessed events. We will continue to monitor using cameras when we identify precise locations on these roads being targeted.

“We are united with our communities in tackling fly-tipping.”

Fly-tippers can face a penalty of £200 if they are caught in the act and cases can also be taken to court, where law-breakers could face a fine of up to £40,000 or even imprisonment.

The council spokesman added: “No matter the circumstances, fly-tipping is illegal, unacceptable and deeply damaging to the environment and we would urge anyone aware of incidents to report these by calling us on 0300 300 0300 or via our website.

“We need people to take responsibility for their waste.”