Fly-tipping shame as needles found on path
Dozens of dirty needles were among rubbish strewn across a pathway in East Kilbride as the town’s flytipping problem continues to grow.
The News understands around 40 uncapped hypodermic syringes were discovered discarded with trash that had been dumped along a section of Quebec Drive in Westwood near to a pharmacy.
A disgruntled resident last week slammed the health and safety issue as a “danger” and called on South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) to step up and take action on those responsible.
She said: “In Quebec Drive right on the corner of Lloyds Chemist there has been rubbish dumped with an open box of used needles, there is about 40 in there along with yellow boxes of needles on the street.
“We’ve contacted the council out of hours but I’m worried about kids going to school in the morning so I wanted to make parents aware.”
SLC confirmed an officer has removed the box of needles following a complaint, adding that this is a regular fly-tipping site.
Alistair McKinnon, head of facilities, waste and ground services at SLC, said: “Unfortunately this is a
regular fly-tipping location.
“We have removed various items over the last two weeks. Given the type of items reported, this included our call-out officer prioritising the uplifting of a box of needles.
“Incidences of discarded syringes or needles being found in public places are thankfully quite rare. However, when we are alerted to them, our aim is always to respond quickly.”
To ensure public safety, anyone who comes across an uncapped needle should contact the council on 0303 1231 020 during office hours or 0800 24 20 24 out of hours.
Reports can also be logged with the council online at www. southlanarkshire.gov.uk/