Thursday March 12th 2026
Fly-tipping in Linlithgow, West Lothian
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
Fly-tippers are targeting bin stores in a West Lothian housing estate to dump rubbish.
A councillor told a meeting she had witnessed suspicious activity in Ladywell, Livingston.
The dumpers fled when they realised Councillor Maria MacAulay was taking photographs.
Livingston South Local Area Committee also heard that council teams had dealt with 137 incidents of fly-tipping and community clean-up collections in the ward between October and December.
Councillor MacAulay told housing officer Natasha Lewis: “You are probably sick of hearing me about the bins in Ladywell. I know from just attending and checking the bins, because they are right beside the road anybody can come and just dump things.
“As I was walking last week a car was driving slowly beside me. They saw me taking photos and then drove off at speed. I can’t imagine what they were going to dump, but they were going to dump something. So it’s not always the responsibility of the flats.
“What’s being done to try and alleviate [the problem] where people who don’t live in the area come along.”
Ms Lewis the meeting: “I know the estates team are constantly visiting the area and checking on what’s being dumped. I will pass your comments on to the estates manager on this.”
Councillor MacAulay also asked about the most common items being left in stairwells – another major focus of the estate team’s work. “I’m hoping there would be nothing of a fire safety risk,” she added.
Ms Lewis replied: “The most common things in stairwells tend to be items of rubbish, black bags and things that people leave out to take to the bin at a later date, and then maybe don’t. If there is anything of any risk, anything flammable or motorbikes then our estates team do work very quickly to get that removed.”
In her report to the committee Ms Lewis said: “There are persistent issues at Fernbank regarding improper recycling practices and items being left in the communal stairwell. Some residents continue to dispose of waste incorrectly or fail to follow recycling guidelines, contributing to untidiness in the common areas, despite putting in an extra common grey bin.”
She added: “The Estate Assistants are actively engaging with residents in the communal flats in Ladywell to promote adherence to recycling guidelines and encourage the responsible use of shared spaces.
“Tenants are being re-charged costs of clearance following appropriate notification. The team are also working collaboratively with colleagues across West Lothian Council.”
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