Dangerous dump site branded a ‘death trap’
Calls for urgent action to be taken against fly-tipping
Stonehouse residents have hit out at the “ongoing saga” of flytipping at Candermill and Marlage Road.
Fed-up locals have branded the area a “death trap” and say the road is regularly lined with a variety of rubbish and waste materials, including mattresses and even caravans.
One resident, who does not want to be named, told the Advertiser that they have had to remove chopped down trees and slabs from the road just to be able to return to their home.
They said: “It is a daily occurrence some weeks and the mess is never taken away.
“Now they have taken a lot of trees down locally it has gotten worse. We often have caravans left and burnt out in a matter of hours.
“I have to move items off the road myself to get to my home, which is very scary at night as we don’t have street lights and I’m always apprehensive about getting out my vehicle.
“I have been faced with over 6ft of trees on one occasion and had to physically move bricks and slabs by hand to get home.
“It’s such a dangerous road at night as you never know what’s round the next corner or on the corner.
“We have had the road closed due to an incident before, and also had to have asbestos removed which was dumped on the road.”
A post about the situation on a community Facebook page received dozens of comments, and grabbed the attention of Christina Mckelvie MSP and local councillor Margaret Cooper.
Ms Mckelvie, representative for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said: “I’m saddened to hear fly-tipping continues to persist along the Candermill and Marlage Road.
“What’s more, I’m concerned at reports from my constituents that, as of yet, their complaints to South Lanarkshire Council have not resulted in a long-term solution.
“Once again, I have written to South Lanarkshire Council to express these concerns and I expect a full and substantive response.
“This has been going on for too long. My constituents deserve a more robust and thorough approach to eradicating the fly-tipping, which I am more than happy to advocate for them.”
Councillor Cooper posted on Facebook: “I am aware that this has become a considerable problem across Ward 5 Avondale and Stonehouse, and I have had early discussions with the police to bring together a package of measures. I intend to discuss further with South Lanarkshire Council.
“Roads are being blocked and rubbish is being dumped in unsightly heaps in cul de sacs and parking areas.
“Whilst I am investigating what can be done I would ask for residents’ patience.
“It will take me time to get together a concerted effort from all parties. Please list for me, on my councillor email – margaret.cooper@ southlanarkshire.gov.uk – or Facebook messaging service, the main areas that are affected in the ward.”
The Advertiser contacted South Lanarkshire Council for a response to complaints about the situation.
Shirley Clelland, Head of Fleet and Environmental Services, said: “Environmental Services has received one complaint concerning dumping in this area since January. The person responsible for the material could not be identified and arrangements were made to have the material removed.
“Where possible we investigate incidents of flytipping and take further action if those responsible can be