Mystery surrounds drop-off

So-called charity workers tried to collect unwanted clothes in Rutherglen and Cambuslang last week – after setting up unauthorised drop-off bins.

Several sites across South Lanarkshire, including at the Tesco on Hamilton Road, had large clothes bins appear out of the blue.

A message on the bins claimed they were supporting the Scottish Cancer Foundation – however that came as news to the charity when the Reformer contacted them.

And both South Lanarkshire Council’s consumer and trading standards team and the police have warned locals not to drop anything off at the bins.

Dr Annie Anderson, a co-director of the Scottish Cancer Foundation, said: “We are very grateful for anyone who wants to raise for the foundation, however we have had no discussions with anyone about these bins and we have had no donations.

“It is possible that someone could be acting on the best intentions but we are unaware of anything to do with it, and we are anxious that our name isn’t being used in this way – we are an innocent party!”

Some of the bins have already been removed from their site.

Shirley Clelland, head of fleet and environmental services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “We have received a number of reports regarding these clothing collection bins being installed at various locations in the Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Hamilton areas.

“Trading Standards officers have been out to visit the sites and are investigating this matter along with our colleagues in Police Scotland.“

A police spokesperson said: “If anyone has any doubts about an organisation or an individual that say they are collecting for charity, then try to get a independent number or a website address to verify them – do not just rely on the information that they are providing.”

Anyone who wishes to help the Scottish Cancer Foundation should visit scottishcancerfoundation.org. uk/ for more information.