CALLOUS flytippers are causing blazes in the hills above Largs - and putting lives at risk.

Fire chiefs have hit out after a spate of rubbish being dumped illegally then set alight.

Flytippers in a white van were seen on a number of occasions over the festive period dumping rubbish at the entrance to Blair Park off the A760.

Among the incidents, fire engines were forced to attend on two separate occasions in a single day to deal with rubbish which had been set alight

Discarded items, including couches, doors and bags filled with household waste, were dumped over a number of days on the privately-owned Stakis land.

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted to reports of debris on fire in Largs.

“Operations Control mobilised one fire engine to the A760, where firefighters extinguished the fire before leaving the scene after ensuring the area had been made safe.

“At 4.37pm on the same day, firefighters re-attended after being alerted to reports of a small fire in the open involving debris."

More waste has since been dumped on the land, however with it being privately-owned, Stakis will have to dispose of the waste at their own expense.

Councillor Ian Murdoch says he is disgusted at the lack of concern for public safety and is concerned the area could be targeted by rogue dumpers.

He said: "This has been happening for weeks on separate occasions - and it is not on.

"All of this is unnecessary and costs a great deal of money in times when public services are being cut due to lack of funding.

"It also takes the fire service away from possible emergency situations. It could ultimately cost lives.

"I would ask anyone that is thinking of paying for someone to dispose of rubbish to make sure they have a proper licence.

"You should also be given a receipt with proof of safe disposal, to prevent flytipping.

"The trouble is that if someone is determined to dump rubbish, here or anywhere else, they will.

"I will be taking the issue up with the council, police and trading standards to ensure this is clamped down on."

The area is normally padlocked to prevent intruders, however this was found to have been broken, allowing access to the site over Christmas and the new year.

The padlock has since been replaced, but police have now launched a probe.

Sergeant Sharon Kerr said: "Officers have been out to the site on several occasions in the last week and have found the area to be secured.

"We are continuing to make efforts to establish all the items have been dumped there illegally - and then we will take the appropriate action."

Spokesperson for Stakis, Trevor Blackburn, said: "We were unaware that this was happening, however are looking in to it.

"We will be looking to get the rubbish removed."

This is not the first time that flytipping has been an issue in Largs, with other beauty spots blighted by rubbish.

North Ayrshire Council is hoping to install mobile smart cameras in an attempt to tackle the issue.

These will be situated in problem areas and will help enforcement officers track down and potentially fine those caught dumping.

Where an offence is captured, enforcement officers will be able to issue a fine of up to £200 for flytipping, as well as others for littering and dog fouling.