EFFORTS to clear illegal waste, which has led to swarms of flies spreading across East Renfrewshire, are set to be stepped up, writes David Carnduff.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is continuing to investigate after piles of waste were dumped at Netherplace Dye Works, near Newton Mearns.

Homeowners in Barrhead, Newton Mearns, Clarkston and Giffnock have all complained about their properties being invaded by flies.

Earlier this week SEPA bosses offered some hope to long-suffering residents that the problem may ease in the coming days.

Kenny Boag, SEPA’s head of operations for the south-west of Scotland, said: “Treatment for flies is ongoing by the landowner and should control the number of flies on site during the removal process.

“It is understood that the landowner is looking into additional measures beyond spraying which will help to reduce fly activity further.

“Our officers continue to have regular contact with the landowner and contractors to provide advice on the waste removal process and will do so until this work is complete.”

SEPA has been working with East Renfrewshire Council to remove the waste and has urged anyone who has information about those responsible for the problem to get in touch.

Mr Boag added: “The appeal for information has been very useful in helping our current investigation and I would strongly encourage anyone with information to contact our pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60 in confidence.

“As always, we will continue to provide updates as and when we have further information.”

Frustrated residents are continuing to take to social media to raise grievances about the amount of flies invading their homes.

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.”

Officials at SEPA have said that – as the matter is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation – they are unwilling to comment on how long it might take for all of the waste to be removed and for the site to be declared safe.

However, residents can receive updates by visiting http://eepurl.com/cKJXrT.