I'm a bit puzzled as to why you would give apparently favourable publicity to what is basically litter on our beautiful Cut. There is problem enough with detritus from drinking parties, not to mention tents and other camping equipment left lying around -- the rangers do a sterling job in keeping the Cut and surrounding moorland as clean as they can, but it is an ongoing struggle and Inverclyde Now really isn't helping by showing this image as if it were something amusing. As is clear from the wording accompanying the photo, the birthday revellers didn't  bother to take their banners and balloons away so were no different from the people who leave their cans and bottles strewn over the moors and in the Cut and the reservoirs. We have the most stunning scenery right on our doorstep and we should look after it as our most valuable resource

Gaie Brown

Thanks for your comment Gaie. I think it's a matter of opinion as to whether this was "apparently favourable publicity." This particular page makes it clear that the photos are of things I have regarded as slightly out-of-the ordinary. Inverclyde Now isn't condoning what appears in the photos or indeed making any judgement. I would doubt anyone would be influenced by their content. The kind of person who leaves debris behind on the Cut is going to do that whether we feature photos of it or not.

Editor

As an occasional user of The Cut, I was also annoyed to see the rubbish there, but I can't fault Inverclyde Now's reporting of it and did not regard it as favourable. The article described what was there - perhaps the use of the word "greeted" is at issue? But we all know form experience that not every greeting is a pleasant one, as was the case here.

Name Supplied

Thank you for your interest Gaie and supportive comments about the Ranger Service. We too are very proud of the Cut. Regional Park Manager Charlie Woodward had this to say about the photo:”Yes bad news but maybe not bad publicity. Anyone who looks past the balloons and banners sees a delightful rural path beside running water and affording views across the towns and Clyde estuary. We too would not condone the hanging of balloons/banners on structures on this rural path, however, our greatest disappointment is that the balloons etc. were not removed and they were left to become litter - what kind of message does that send out to our children?''

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

I am grateful to the park for their comments. Here is another photo taken of the birthday banners. I hadn't actually noticed this before, but it shows that the gatepost has been defaced by a form of vandalism which is a bit harder to deal with. Editor

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