South Lanarkshire Council has been blasted after putting a skip within the grounds of a cemetery.
Outraged residents claim the skip – which is now filled with rubbish – in Westburn cemetery is an “obvious attraction” for fly-tipping.
The local authority insists the skip is used for “cut grass”, however locals have slammed the size of the bright blue container.
One said: “A groundsman told me that the skip is for cut grass and dead flowers. That is absolute nonsense. It’s a huge, bright blue skip and it’s a monstrosity.
“Cut grass and dead flowers do not require a skip of that capacity.
“It’s not only an eye sore but it’s hugely disrespectful for mourners to see a skip on cemetery grounds when visiting loved ones.
“Not to mention, it’s also an obvious attraction for fly-tipping, which we can also see is now happening.
“It’s absolutely horrific that the council has allowed this. Time and time again South Lanarkshire Council fail Westburn cemetery, it’s appalling.”
Cemetery visitors fear that the skip will attract more fly-tipping and even rats.
Our source continued: “The skip is now attracting commercial waste.
“There’s rubble, slabs and a mountain of tyres all pouring out the top of it.
“Not to mention bags of household waste which will more than likely start to attract rats and other vermin.
“Nobody wants to see a rat when visiting the grave of a loved one, never mind an overflowing skip and fly-tipping.
“Placing such a large skip in such a private place is totally disrespectful from the council
“And it’s encouraging others to dump their mess rather than drive 10 minutes to the recycling centre, which is also beyond disrespectful.”
In response to the concerns, South Lanarkshire Council has this morning confirmed that the skip is to be removed.
In June, we told how the council said it wouldn’t increase security at Westburn cemetery despite another theft from a grave.
The family of Les McKenna were left distraught after flowers were taken from his grave less than 24 hours after his funeral.
In 2019 we also told how a floral display was stolen from another grave, just hours after a funeral. There have also been regular issues with vandalism at the cemetery in recent years.
Our source added: “It’s about time the council treated Westburn cemetery with respect.
“Vandalism, thefts and now a skip and fly-tipping could all be prevented with increased security.”
South Lanarkshire Council says the skip is part of a maintenance programme.
Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities waste and grounds services, said: “We regularly have a skip placed in the soil bay area at Westburn Cemetery so our ground crews can deposit grass cuttings and other material as part of our maintenance programme on site.
“Unfortunately, due to this recent fly-tipping, not only in the skip but also in the adjoining car park, we will now have to remove the skip from the cemetery.
“Fly-tipping is the result of unacceptable behaviour and illegal action by a small number of people who do not dispose of their waste in a fit and proper manner.
“If you can identify those responsible please phone our Environmental Services team on 0303 123 1015.”
More information and how to report Fly-tipping online.
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