DISRESPECTFUL fly-tippers have dumped rubbish on top of graves in an East Renfrewshire cemetery amidst lockdown.

The mess was found by a local resident who spotted the heap in Cathcart Cemetery while on a weekend walk last Sunday.

Dozens of smashed bricks and rubble, as well as bin bags of debris, were found piled on top of a grave in the East Renfrewshire Council run cemetery.

READ MORE: Westacres care home boss opens her heart over suspected Covid-19 deaths

Another local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "I was shocked to see the absolute disrespect of fly-tippers in the cemetery, so close to other people's loved ones.

"I have family members buried in the cemetery. My father and uncle are there and it is an eyesore when it should be a place of peace.

"Whoever is responsible, I wonder how they would feel if it was their loved ones buried in the cemetery, and someone had dumped their literal rubbish on their place of rest?".

The 64-year-old continued: "They are nothing but scum."

Councillor David MacDonald said: "No matter the circumstances we all find ourselves in there is absolutely no excuse for fly tipping.

"On top of that, to fly tip in an area where people’s loved ones have been laid to rest shows a level of disrespect that is simply off the charts.

"We have all seen a significant increase in fly-tipping during this time due to refuse and recycling facilities being closed.

"I would urge people that if they choose to use private operators to collect waste that they make sure the company are registered with SEPA and they are given a transfer of waste note from the operator.

READ MORE: Barrhead duo to raise funds to remember victims of pit tragedy

"This will transfer liability for the waste being transported and disposed of to the operator.

"I would advise people not to use unregistered operators driving around neighbourhoods in vans and knocking on doors.

"Alternatively, if they can store the waste in a safe manner on their property I would urge them to retain the waste until such time that facilities reopen."

An East Renfrewshire Council spokeswoman said: “Fly tipping is a blight on our community and we’d encourage residents to report any incidents via our website or by calling our free, confidential Ring and Report hotline on 0800 013 0076.

"This fly tipping has been cleared by our team.”