Fly- tipping sparks bonfire blaze fears
PILES of dumped rubbish across Kelvinhall will become a magnet for vandals as Guy Fawkes Night approaches, cleansing staff have warned.
Glasgow City Council workers discovered a mass of waste had been ditched in a back court off Dumbarton Road.
The debris is understood to have been building since bulk uplifts were forced to cease in March due to coronavirus pandemic.
Now, staff have warned the areas will become hotspots for vandals if collections don’t resume.
One cleansing worker, who asked not to be named, said: “It looks like a bonfire outside of someone’s window. The bulk uplifts haven’t been done since March so people just keep continually adding to it for some strange reason.
“The other guys have said there’s worse ones than that. If it catches fire, people are in trouble. My fear is with Bonfire Night coming up, it could be a problem.
“Glasgow Green won’t be on this year so it’s a worry and healthy and safety- wise, it’s a mess. Imagine lifting a soggy mattress that’s been lying out for six months.”
The council isn’t currently able to resume uplifts due to national Covid19 guidelines banning too many people from being inside a car.
Residents have been urged to dispose of their rubbish themselves or to store it safely until collections are allowed to continue.
A spokesman said: “Bulk uplifts were suspended just prior to lockdown as it allowed us to focus on the services we are legally obliged to provide such as general waste and recycling collections.
“But we are hopeful the bulk uplift service can resume in the near future.
“We are very grateful for the patience shown by the vast majority of people who have worked with us throughout the pandemic and we have removed fly- tipping where ever possible.
“Many housing associations have also continued to dispose of large items appropriately on behalf of their residents and that has made a significant contribution to the city at a difficult time.
“Our Household waste recycling centres are now open seven days a week for Glasgow residents to dispose of large items in person.
“Residents requiring to clear large volumes of waste can use vans to dispose of items at our Easter Queenslie depot.”