Drumellan hit by a litter problem

Francis McKeever, a supervisor cleaner at St Brendan's school has said the issue of rubbish around the school needs to be addressed.

And the council has said there has been a big increase in litter with teams of staff working 'flat-out' to clear the area.

"It's always been bad and it's getting worse," said Francis.

"There is broken glass everywhere, it looks like someone has tipped a bin out and tried to set fire to it.

"And the field behind the school is covered in Buckfast bottles. Last week I saw one young fella, on his own, just smashing the bottles."

She went on: "I have a grandchild who struggles to walk and if he were to fall in it he would be split open.

"Not only is there a risk to children but there are also dogs walking in the area who could get hurt."

Councillor Kieran Corr has appealed for common sense, he said: "The problem has probably gotten worse with the recent gorse fires.

"The rubbish has been left exposed or blown out into the open - it has been there for ages.

"I would appeal to people to have a bit of common sense, there is a school close-by and a child could easily cut their foot.

"There are bins there and they should be used. I have been on with the council and hope they can get a squad out to clean it up."

A spokeswoman for the council said staff were working 'flat-out' to clear the litter problems.

She added: "The schedule has not changed, but staff have noticed an increase in the amount of litter and are working flat out to clear it."