We live next to busy tourist road – it’s the gateway to Scotland but there’s bags of human poo & urine dumped everywhere

FURIOUS locals who live next to a busy road dubbed the ‘gateway to Scotland’ have blasted tourists who dump bags of human poo and urine everywhere.

Each week, litter-picking groups travel the long A1 road which connects Edinburgh and the border with England.

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The A1 connects Edinburgh and the border with England[/caption]

And they collect dozens of bags of rubbish from lay-bys and verges that are discarded by visitors along the 50-mile stretch of road.

The volunteers from a number of different groups have revealed that they often pick up bags that contain human poo and even plastic bottles full of urine.

And they have called on both local authorities and the government to step in and help with the issue, according to BBC Scotland News.

Many have said that they believe the problem is caused by people throwing their rubbish from their vehicles as they travel along the route.

But they added that it has also been exacerbated by people fly-tipping in the lay-bys and rubbish being blown from commercial lorries as they make their way to landfill sites and recycling depots.

Alison Currie, who is part of the Berwickshire Anti-Litter Group, said the A1 is “nothing more than a dumping ground.”

There are nearly always a few large plastic bottles filled with urine… it’s a constant struggle

Catherine Cunnanewho organises litter picks in four lay-bys on the A1

While Catherine Cunnane, who organises litter picks in four lay-bys on the road near Grantshouse, called it a “constant struggle”.

She told BBC Scotland News: “There are nearly always a few large plastic bottles filled with urine – and we also get bags of excrement from time to time as well.

“We’re trying our best to make this area better, but it’s a constant struggle.”

The Berwickshire Anti-Litter Group also revealed that volunteers collected a whipping 5,000kgs of litter from the lay-by and roadside verges last year alone.

And they are now visiting schools to educate children and raise awareness for the issue as well as teaching them about fly-tipping.

But they have called on politicians to do more about the mess and catch those responsible.

Alison added: “What’s the point of anti-littering and fly-tipping legislation if there is no enforcement?

“We need public education campaigns, better enforcement and some joint up thinking to tackle the A1’s litter.

“At the moment it’s just a dumping ground.”

Transport Scotland BEAR Scotland told BBC Scotland News that they are aware of the growing litter problem along the A1 and are working with locals to address the issue.

BEAR manager Tommy Deans said: “Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland continues to encourage collective efforts to tackle litter and ensure Scotland’s trunk roads are maintained to a high standard.”

Police Scotland also said that they “work closely with local partners” regarding the litter problem, adding that it is a criminal offence to litter or fly-tip.