ENVIRONMENT Litter clear-up gets underway
Network Rail have arranged a major clear-up after residents complained of large amounts of litter surrounding the train tracks in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Drinks cans, waste bags, plastic and glass bottles have mounted up around the area below the bridge on the Burgh’s Queen Street and can be seen falling down onto the tracks.
Litter can also be found surrounding the railway near Tabernacle Lane in Cambuslang which residents say is making the location look “ugly” and endangering the public.
Cairns Road resident Edward Cais was concerned with the amount of waste dumped near the railway in both locations.
He said: “Unfortunately there are still people who behave as if it is acceptable to dump stuff and drop litter. They respond to beautiful surroundings by making them ugly. They do not care what effects this has on other people. They do not stop to think that this causes organisations to spend time and money clearing it up.
“Network Rail’s overriding priority must be the safe running of the rail network. Keeping embankments clear of rubbish is not an essential operation.
“However, if litter hotspots could be cleared more often, it would vastly improve the appearance of the area not only for local residents and businesses, but also for visiting industrialists, investors and tourists.”
A Network Rail spokeswoman confirmed information has now been passed on to the British Transport Police as trespassing on the railway is suspected.
She added: “We understand that the visual appearance of railway land and embankments is of genuine concern to local communities and those who travel on our railway and the presence of litter and fly tipping creates a poor impression.
“A representative has visited the areas highlighted and has identified the area around Queen Street Bridge in Rutherglen as of particular concern.
“The irresponsible disposal of domestic refuse and litter on and around the railway is an expensive and ongoing concern for Network Rail and a litter clearance programme is in place to try to improve our boundaries for our neighbours and limit the risk that this waste poses. Areas where litter has the potential to affect the safety of the operational railway will always be prioritised by our maintenance teams.”