Neighbourhood Services

Environmental Health

POLLUTION - PUBLIC HEALTH

A large proportion of complaints and enquiries received by the department concern matters which are dealt with under section 79 of the Environmental Protection act 1990. This section adapted most of the definitions of what constitutes a nuisance as defined under the old Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897.

The definitions include, accumulations of refuse, broken drains and sewers, smoke, smell, or dust problems and other problems arising from dumping or burning.

A large number of the miscellaneous complaints which are received each year are dealt with informally by contact with the parties concerned to ensure rectification of the problem. Use of Legal procedures, notices etc. are normally reserved for problems of a more serious nature or where attempts at informal resolution have proven unsuccessful.

Although not within the terms of the aforementioned legislation, abandoned vehicles are also dealt with by this section. Vehicles parked by their owners within their own private property are not legally classified as abandoned, irrespective of their condition. However, untaxed vehicles sited on the public highway or abandoned on other land can be dealt with and removed for disposal.

This section is also involved in the inspection and checking of standards relating to animal welfare in respect of pet shops, animal boarding and breeding establishments and horse riding premises, which are licensed by the Local Authority.

The Community Services Department’s Licensing Section also consults with this section in respect of various licence applications submitted to them in terms of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

There are a number of licensed caravan sites within East Ayrshire. Formally established sites must initially obtain Planning approval before being set up, but are thereafter licensed by the Environmental Health Service and are subsequently periodically inspected by us to ensure compliance with licensing conditions.

Problems occasionally arise from unauthorised encampments of travellers within the district. The Government has instituted a policy of "non-harassment" of travellers unless they are present in what may be considered excessive numbers, thus considerably restricting options for enforcement action which might be taken. Periodic encampments of travellers can still give cause for local agitation and complaint, and they are accordingly monitored by this Service.