WORK to clear an illegal waste dump resulting in swarms of flies spreading across East Renfrewshire is continuing.

There are fears the infestation – which originated at a warehouse close to Newton Mearns – has now made its way to Barrhead.

Last week, we told how the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) confirmed it had launched an investigation after waste was dumped at Netherplace Dye Works.

One Barrhead woman contacted the News to report a marked increase in the number of flies in her home.

She said: “I’ve had a minimum of eight in the house at any one time since the weekend.”

Members of the public have been asked to help track down those responsible for the massive piles of refuse.

SEPA, which is working with East Renfrewshire Council to remove the material, has said calls about the site will be treated in confidence.

Scores of frustrated residents in nearby Clarkston and Giffnock have taken to social media to raise grievances about the amount of flies in both areas.

One angry mum wrote: “It’s a nightmare. The flies have been in shops, in restaurants – they’re everywhere.

“There have been 30 inside our house at the one time.

“Our bins are only emptied once every three weeks now, so surely that will just create more of a problem.

“Flies don’t just move around and then die – they breed. It’s out of control.”

Another homeowner from Newton Mearns unsuccessfully tried using fly repellent sprays and strips to get rid of the insects.

She said: “When you go to the supermarket, the aisles are cleared of insect repellent and people are huddled around discussing it.”

Calum MacDonald, SEPA’s executive director for regulatory services, said: “Our investigation to identify those responsible for the dumping of this waste is continuing.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information about the criminal activity at Netherplace Dye Works to call our pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

“All calls are confidential and will help towards the identification of those responsible for the illegal waste deposits.

“Treatment of flies at the site took place over the weekend and will continue this week, with the aim of significantly reducing the number of flies in the local area.

“Waste material has started to be removed by contractors and SEPA officers maintain a presence at the site in order to monitor the situation and provide advice and guidance to the landowner about removal of further waste deposits over the next few days.”

To receive updates on the work SEPA is carrying out at the site, search: http://eepurl.com/cKJXrT.