Vermin worries after bins are left out on pavement
WORRIED residents are rallying together to get rid of the unsightly bins that have plagued their street since the summer.
Those who live on Finnieston’s Berkeley Street have watched as their bins have been left on the pavement, directly outside the windows of ground floor flats.
Such is the concern amongst locals, some have united to form a resident’s association to get rid of the rubbish bins.
Tariq Ishaq, spokesman for the group, said: “Since moving out onto the street before the summer, the bins have accumulated and are now regularly overflowing, they have to go.
“Having these so close to windows could cause serious problems and affect people’s health, never mind that some of the flats now have mice.”
As well as the risk of vermin and other health problems, the area has seen an increase in fly-tipping.
This problem has also be exacerbated by the increased footfall to surrounding areas in recent years.
Bailies Christy Mearns and Philip Braat are now involved in the effort to resolve the issue.
A spokesperson for the building’s factor, Glasgow West Housing Association, said: “In the course of our established good working relationship with the local Waste Collection Team, we understand that the current footpath location is a proposed temporary arrangement, pending a formalised location.”
A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “The entrance to the back court area is too dangerous for our operatives to enter.
“The preventative action from the assessment was the bins would be serviced from the pavements until Glasgow West of Scotland Housing Association carry out the repairs to make the area safe.
“Clearly we want this resolved as soon as possible.”
The buildings concerned are metres from Brechin Street, where an infestation forced a mother and her child to flee their home.
Those on Berkeley Street fear that the bins will attract the vermin problem around the corner.
Tenant’s union Living Rent have offered their sup- port, with a meeting planned for locals to discuss their concerns.
Craig Paterson, Living Rent spokesman, said: “From our extensive canvas of the surrounding streets it is now apparent that the vermin infestation is also in the back court, with several neighbours reporting rats.”