Calls for task force to target dumping ground
Renfrewshire Council has been urged to deploy its fly-tipping task force to a known dumping hotspot in Renfrew.
Councillor Jamie McGuire called for action at a problem area behind the Company Shop in Blythswood Retail Park.
The Labour rep for Renfrew North and Braehead has raised the issue a number of times since his election a year ago.
But culprits continue to leave construction materials and other litter at the site – sparking renewed frustration from the elected member.
He asked the SNP administration to commit to prioritising the area as part of the work of its bespoke environmental squad, which became operational in December.
Councillor McGuire, who visits the hotspot weekly, told Tuesday’s communities and housing policy board the damage being caused was “unthinkable”.
He said: “Renfrew retail park has been plagued by fly-tipping which has meant the path at Inchinnan Road has become inaccessible.
“This has been detrimental to my constituents, particularly the elderly ones. In addition, the environmental damage it is causing is just unthinkable.
“Can the convener commit to prioritising Renfrew retail park as one of the hotspot areas the environmental task force will focus on when tackling this growing culture of fly-tipping?”
SNP board convener Marie McGurk responded: “We’ll certainly, definitely, look at it.”
The council has continually stressed the land in question is privately owned, but said it would work with the landowner to try to identify those responsible.
Councillor Cathy McEwan, an SNP rep for Renfrew South and Gallowhill and former environment convener, said she took on board her political rival’s comments about the location.
But she added: “I want you to know how hard we’ve been working in the past – and continue to do so – to make sure that that is kept clear of litter.
“I’ve been out there myself, I’ve been out there with the team,
I have seen how hard everybody works.
“I also know that we need to work along with businesses to make sure that they do their bit as well.
“But I have nothing but admiration for the work that will continue to make sure we do keep that as clear as we can keep it.”
The task force has completed 679 visits to identified hotspots since December, with 215 tonnes of waste removed and 35 fines handed out.
The data was included in a report to the board, which provided an update on efforts to clamp down on flytipping in the local authority area.
It revealed 623 reports have been investigated in that time, 34 letters sent to private landowners, 46 visits to businesses carried out and six sites secured to prevent further dumping.
Renfrew retail park has been plagued by fly-tipping which has meant the path is inaccessible