Council defend their probe into fly-tipping
Residents and MSP attempt crackdown on louts
South Lanarkshire Council insists it is doing all it can to investigate fly-tipping in Stonehouse following a series of complaints.
Residents have voiced concern over rubbish and rubble being dumped on Candermill / Mariage Road, with MSP Christina Mckelvie working with the authority to crack down on those responsible.
In a response to a letter from Ms Mckelvie, the council said “invaluable information” had been gathered after the use of surveillance cameras.
The MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse said: “This has been an ongoing issue for the residents of Stonehouse for a number of months now; one that not only threatens public safety, but creates a false, uncaring image of our village.
“Both Councillor Peter Craig and I have been in constant discussion with South Lanarkshire Council.
“Whilst we welcome chief executive Lindsay Freeland’s news regarding the suspected vehicles and persons involved in the fly tipping, I will be writing further to South Lanarkshire Council to seek further clarity for my constituents.
“I am also actively seeking a meeting with Police Scotland to discuss the issue. I would encourage all Stonehouse residents to keep me informed as we try to keep Stonehouse safe and clean.”
In his response to Ms Mckelvie, South Lanarkshire Council’s Chief Executive, Lindsay Freeland, stated: “Officers from environmental services are actively engaged in monitoring the area for flytipping.
“In particular, various locations in Candermill / Mariage Road have been monitored with the use of surveillance cameras.
“While to date success has been mixed due to the character of the area and the length of the road, nevertheless, invaluable information has been gathered as to the persons responsible for the fly-tipping and the vehicles involved.
“While these investigations are protracted, every effort is being made to gather evidence which would conclude with persons responsible being reported to the Procurator Service for consideration for prosecution.
“Other evidence collated by the officers has also resulted in fines being issued to persons in the Larkhall area.
“On the occasions when fly-tipping occurs, arrangements are made for any waste to be removed from the roadway immediately and then for waste to be uplifted.”