Council waste depot in spotlight following whistleblower claims

Drug abuse and bribery alleged, but worker says his email was doctored

Angus Council chiefs have “addressed” working practices at one of their waste depots after a whistleblower sparked a council probe.

Bosses are implementing changes at Cairnie Loan Depot in Arbroath after receiving an unsolicited email from a temporary staff member.

A 4,000-plus word dossier seen by The Courier contains a long list of allegations, from minor health and safety failings to claims of drug and alcohol abuse, bullying and corruption.

It includes the allegation workers conducted rounds under the influence of controlled substances and supervisors accepted bribes of “fish, steaks and pies” to empty additional bins.

Establishing the veracity of the allegations has not been possible as the whistleblower now claims his email to senior council managers, including chief executive Margo Williamson, was doctored by members of the depot team before being leaked.

The whistleblower, who no longer works at the council and does not wish to be named, says colleagues changed his original email to “cause him problems”.

The worker, employed by the council for a few months earlier this year, said he had a background in health and safety and wanted to offer the council a “free audit” into working practices on the site.

Angus Council confirmed it introduced changes to working practices as a result of the email and is investigating the whistleblower’s claim depot staff changed his original text.

The whistleblower told The Courier claims around drug abuse and bribery are not true. But one member of staff at the depot, who also did not wish to be named, said: “He discusses many troubling issues at this yard which I have witnessed first-hand, too.”

The whistleblower, who asked The Courier not to run a story on the email, said only 10% of the claims in his missive were true. He refused to identify which ones or provide a copy of the original email.

“They have stolen my identity in an attempt to make trouble for me,” he said. “I was brought up to tell the truth, I don’t lie. They are trying to tarnish their own guys and there are other workers there who go above and beyond. It’s just childish.”

An Angus Council spokeswoman said: “We have carried out a full investigation into the issues raised. We are satisfied that any areas for improvement have been identified and have either been addressed or are in the process of being addressed.”

She said they encourage employees to contact their line manager with any concerns about working practices.

They have stolen my identity in an attempt to make trouble for me. WHISTLEBLOWER

Picture: Kris Miller. Council chiefs have “addressed” working practices at Cairnie Loan Depot.