Tony Gartley highlighted the mess missed lying just beyond the verges in Hilltop Road. He said: The council cut the grass verge beside where the vast amount of non-biodegradable debris is lying. If they extended their commitment thirty feet down the embankment then that debris could be picked up and properly disposed of. The council has defended its grounds coverage and litter removal work. A spokesperson said: “Inverclyde is a large area so our grounds maintenance programme focuses on priority areas, such as parks, schools, roadsides and other public areas. “The section of Hilltop Road/Larkfield Road identified is one of those priority areas and is maintained for road safety reasons to ensure there is no encroachment onto the road and also to provide access to street lightning.