Probe into fly infestation after suspected dumping
ENVIRONMENTAL bosses are investigating an infestation of flies after suspected illegal dumping at a former factory.
The swarm is ruining family life in Newton Mearns, with residents forced to close their windows to keep the flies out.
Residents claim an unmarked lorry has been dumping waste in a shed at Netherplace Works for the past two months.
SEPA and East Renfrewshire council are aware of the problem and are investigating.
John Pollock, who lives on Malletsheugh Farm owns fields surrounding the dumping site. He said: “We sat down at lunch today and there were 10 flies around us. It’s a huge problem.
“You don’t actually see them in swarms. But they come in through the window and they seem to multiply like hell. It’s in the house that it’s the biggest problem.”
“Another farmer nearby had to abandon feeding his sheep because the troughs were black with flies. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life -- it’s ridiculous.”
According to another resident who did not want to be named, an unmarked lorry had been dumping waste into a massive shed at Netherplace Works for two months, up until the end of March.
The lorry would visit two or three times every day between six or seven o’clock in the morning.
However, it is only in the last two weeks or so that flies have become a major issue for homes and businesses in Newton Mearns.
Mother-of-two Diane Rutherford, 36, from Westacres, said: “All our windows and doors have to be kept closed.
“I’ve got two young children and my major concern is about keeping the house clean. The flies are everywhere. At dinner time I’m having to put tea towels over the food before the kids are in place and ready to eat.
“We had over 30 flies in our kitchen a week past Saturday. The kids were out playing before their tea and when they came in we had so many flies come into the house.”
SEPA and East Renfrewshire Council released a joint statement on the illegal dumping. They said: “We are investigating an illegal deposit of waste at Netherplace Works, Newton Mearns.
“SEPA are liaising with the landowner and their contractors regarding measures to reduce flies and limit the potential environmental impact on the site.
“A time frame for final removal of the waste and an associated site clean-up cannot be confirmed as yet.
“However, officers are working closely with East Renfrewshire Council and other agencies in order to ensure waste is removed as soon as possible.”