APPEAL OVER BULK UPLIFTS

MEASURES must b e t a k e n t o r e i n s t a t e Glasgow’s bulk uplift service to tackle the fly- tipping crisis the city faces.

At a full council meeting today conservative councillor Thomas Kerr is expected to ask councillor Anna Richardson what progress has been made to resume the service.

Last month it was agreed that work of this nature should begin as soon as possible but members of the opposition want to know what steps have been taken to achieve this.

Councillor Kerr said: “It is now six weeks later and there has been no move to reinstate it whatsoever. The city is an absolute tip with fly- tipping right now.

“The administration voted in February to charge for bulk uplifts so when they are reinstated, they are going to be asking for £ 25 to collect household items.

“I was against this because I think it will encourage fly- tipping. If you are paying for a service, you expect the very best. Why are we paying more in council tax but getting a reduced service?”

Mr Kerr highlighted that areas of his ward including Tollcross, Parkhead and Shettleston Road were subjected to fly- tipping but that it was spreading throughout Glasgow as a result of coronavirus.

He added: “Residents still can’t phone the council and ask them to pick up unwanted items.

“Are you going to keep a mattress you don’t need for example for months in your house or are you going to put it outside and hope someone will come and pick it up.

“I am hoping to get an understanding of where the administration is at. I want a better standard than from before Covid- 19.

“Every councillor will be having the same problems with their constituents.

“This is about making the city look its best. We are a world class city, and we need to look our best.

“We are the fly- tipping capital of the UK. This is not something to be proud of it is horrendous.”

Chris Mitchell, GMB convener agreed the need to bring back bulk uplifts particularly in the run up to bonfire night.

He said: “We have asked for investment in this part off the service to combat the current crisis the people off Glasgow face.

“We need investment now to combat this crisis as it is a health and safety issue for the people of Glasgow.

“There are a number of staff on temporary contracts that are due to end this month. This would have been an opportunity for the council to tackle this bulk crisis and offer workers a six month contract to deal with this problem moving forward before someone is hurt or even killed as we approach bonfire night.”

Glasgow City Council has been asked for a comment ahead of the debate.