REVELLERS who wreaked havoc in a Peebles beauty spot last Saturday night have been condemned by furious locals who cleaned up their mess.

Dog walkers and local residents were disgusted when they stumbled upon the destruction at Venlaw, the community woodland on the north-east edge of the town.

Dozens of empty bottles and beer cans were left smashed and strewn across an area scorched by a smouldering bonfire.

And locals say it is not the first time. The litter louts have also caused problems for dog walkers, including one owner who was left with a £100 vet bill when her pet cut a paw on broken glass.

Two community-spirited locals decided to clean up the woodland after the latest incident, and also found what looked like drug paraphernalia.

A dog walker who spotted the offending debris told the Peeblesshire News that coming across lit fires and discarded bottles and cans is becoming commonplace in the community woodland.

The local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was awful. Smashed bottles, piles of cans and bottles heaped on a smoking fire, and foil boxes and supermarket bags left lying.

“I don’t mind people enjoying themselves as long as they tidy up afterwards. If they can carry full bottles and cans up there, surely they can take their empties down with them. The infuriating thing about it is, there are bins nearby.”

She added: “Having faced vets bills in the past when my dog’s paw was badly cut on broken glass, I didn’t want any other dogs or children to get injured, and went back to tidy as much as I could with the help of another dog walker.

“I just wish people would treat the town with respect rather than as a dumping ground.”

Local resident Nina Raphaella Morrocco said: “I find it remarkable that these people feel they have a right to enjoy the outdoors here in Peebles whilst at the same time completely disrespecting it – a single-minded, so-what-not-my-problem attitude. Just get smashed and smash everything.”

She believed there was a huge disconnect between the perpetrators and the wider community.

“It is frustrating and sad. I have taken action by cleaning up the mess myself over the years, and will continue to do so – not to let the culprits off the hook, but because my love and respect for nature is so strong.”

Local resident Marion Brockie added: “The saddest part is that no-one is objecting to them having outdoor parties. We are only asking that they behave responsibly and observe the countryside code. Extinguish the fire and take litter home or to a nearby bin.”