The experience of George Niblock accessing Scotland’s legal system for environmental change.
“The law and court procedures in Scotland are complex and intimidating. The potential financial implications are without limit, as are the consequences for the individual applicant.”
“We felt the council’s claims for legal expenses was punitive and it led to the closure of our group.”
George Niblock is a public health and environmental professional with over 50 years’ experience advising government and statutory bodies. George used to be the Chair of the volunteer-led Aberdeenshire Environmental Forum in his spare time. For ten years the forum engaged with the Aberdeenshire Council to address address major street cleansing concerns, but with little success.
The impact of rubbish on the streets led the forum to use its statutory right to apply for a Litter Abatement Order. The process took several years and the total cost was estimated at £40,000. Fortunately the forum was able to get free legal help but lost its case. After settling out of court at £9,000, they had no funds left to appeal the decision and the forum was forced to close after operating for 30 years.
