A graveyard of rusty abandoned cars uncovered at a Paisley beauty spot is set to be cleaned before the end of the year.
Scottish Water confirmed it will start work next month to get rid of the toxic wrecks at Glenburn Reservoir, known locally as the Linn Reservoir, following concerns from a number of residents.
Around eight rotting and rusty cars were uncovered at the popular walking spot in September due to low water levels.
Shocking photos taken by the Express showed the usually scenic area of Gleniffer Braes filled with the abandoned vehicles – with residents complaining of the disgusting smell.
Councillor Stephen Burns contacted Scottish Water in a bid to have the cars removed following a number of concerns from residents.
Cllr Burns – who represents the Paisley Southwest ward – said he was delighted to get the news from Scottish Water.
He said: “This is fantastic news as I believe Gleniffer Braes are the Jewel in the Crown of Renfrewshire.
“It is fantastic news for residents and visitors to the Braes as this is a popular place for people to enjoy and I know there were a number of concerns regarding the smell and how unsightly it was.
“Having this cleaned up will also help to improve the local environment. I have kept in consistent contact with Scottish Water about this issue and I think that has contributed to it remaining high on their agenda.
“I am so glad this will all be cleaned up before the New Year.”
Scottish Water confirmed work would begin on removing the vehicles within the next month and that it was currently in talks with SEPA about carrying the work out safely.
An email, seen by the Express, said: “Plans are progressing for the safe removal of the vehicles and we hope to have them out of the reservoir by the end of November/December.
“We are also in contact with SEPA regarding the safe removal as we need to give consideration to the environment and wildlife.”
Back in 2018, a joint operation between Police Scotland and Scottish Water saw specialist police divers examine cars dumped in the reservoir.
The murky water had been drained, revealing the abandoned motors.
Police frogmen checked out at least five abandoned cars at the Scottish Water-owned site in a bid to identify them.
They took direction from officers standing on the bank and could be seen with various items, including the badge from a Peugeot 605.
Workers had been draining the site as part of a what has been described as a “routine maintenance” operation when local residents reported spotting the overturned vehicles that had been submerged.
It is understood nothing of interest was found at the site by police at that time.
