A community councillor says he fears for kids’ health over the “disgusting” state of a Springhall lane, which is being used as a dumping ground by selfish fly-tippers.
Barry Cathie has demanded urgent action from South Lanarkshire Council over the “stinking” mass of dumped rubbish on Ross Place near to residents’ flats and close to two schools.
He says bags of rubbish containing rotting food and soiled nappies are being launched from landings on to the communal ground below, rather than being put in nearby bins.
Mr Cathie believes broken pallets which have added to the eyesore may have been thrown from passing vehicles from outside the area.
And he fears an infestation of rats if the strewn waste – which includes discarded kids’ toys, bedding, textiles and flooring – isn’t cleared soon.
The Rutherglen community councillor says he has received complaints from a number of concerned residents about the state of the land near to Loch and St Anthony’s primary schools.
“At the top of Ross Place, people have been throwing bin bags from the top of landings on to the bin area. The bags burst and the contents go all over the place,” he said.
“When the bins are full, people place bags on top of them and it overflows. Birds burst the bags open, and it is just stinking. I was in a close yesterday near to the bins and there was a strong sewage smell, probably from faeces in nappies.”
Mr Cathie is concerned that milder weather conditions will make the stench even worse and he has raised his concerns with a South Lanarkshire Council housing officer.
“Kids can’t play there because of the state of it,” he continued. “It’s not fair on the kids, especially with summer coming up. There are two schools nearby and that is a big worry. It is dangerous. People have to get up every morning and look at it, see it every day.”
Mr Cathie hopes that as coronavirus restrictions ease, the council will be able to deploy more resources in a clean-up of the area.
Extending his thanks to hard-working council cleansing staff who are doing their best in the circumstances, he said: “These times are hard for them, having to deal with an overload of rubbish left by residents.”
And he appealed to householders: “Keep the area clean and safe, and put rubbish in the bin properly. If they see bags overflowing, they should report it to the council rather than just leaving it and making it worse over time.”
Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities waste and grounds services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “I can confirm our street cleansing team are aware of this illegally dumped waste and removal has been arranged.
“Fly-tipping is anti-social and unacceptable, we will always take steps to identify those responsible and significant fines can be imposed.
“There is no excuse for this behaviour. Our household waste and recycling centres (https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/directory/40/waste_and_recycling_centres) are open, the nearest being Eastfield and special (bulk) uplifts (https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200155/uplifts/26/special_bulk_uplifts) can be arranged if kerbside collection is required.”
“I would urge members of the public to report such incidents to Environmental Services through the council’s website at www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk, or alternatively on 0303 123 1015”
