A ROW has erupted over Barrhead’s recycling centre as council chiefs continue to implement a ban on vans at the facility.

East Renfrewshire Council announced last year that, as part of a tightening of security measures at the Carlibar Road centre, only cars and vehicles with small trailers could use the facility.

Bosses claim this was due to the recycling hub being abused by non-residents and rogue businesses.

However, residents now wonder how long the ban will go on and whether it is fair that the rule has only been put in place in Barrhead.

Independent councillor Paul Aitken, who represents Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor, said: “I simply don’t follow the council’s thinking on this issue.

“No vans are allowed into Barrhead Recycling Centre, yet they are allowed into Newton Mearns Recycling Centre.

“We are told this is because of commercial operators and non-ERC residents misusing the facility but surely these issues must be equally applicable to Newton Mearns?

“Why are Barrhead residents being forced to take their vans to Newton Mearns?”

The decision was taken after council staff “identified a significant risk that the site was being abused by commercial traders and non-residents.”

Residents have since complained on social media that they have been forced to drive to Ayrshire to use facilities there.

The van ban at the Barrhead site was initially temporary while a review took place but, eight months later, no decision has been taken on when it will be lifted.

A council spokesperson said: “Changes at Barrhead Household Waste and Recycling Centre were introduced in November in response to a significant increase in the volume of waste being received at the site.

“Existing rules have been tightened which now requires users to provide identification. In addition, all vans are being diverted to Greenhags Household Waste and Recycling Centre to ensure the site is used only by the residents and council tax payers of East Renfrewshire and to discourage rogue commercial operators.

“The changes have been overwhelmingly supported by our residents and the site is still open to all cars and cars with trailers.”