FED-up Barrhead residents have hit out at fly-tippers who have been dumping rubbish in the streets.

Concerns have been raised over the amount of waste being ditched illegally since East Renfrewshire’s civic dumps were closed as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

One angry resident contacted the Barrhead News to complain about a pile of rubbish, including furniture, that had been dumped in Commercial Road.

“I know it’s difficult with the local dump being closed but it’s just unacceptable for someone to throw out all their rubbish on the street,” said the resident, who asked not to be named.

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“It’s an absolute disgrace that someone thinks it’s okay to dump stuff next to people’s homes. It is sheer laziness.”

East Renfrewshire Council is set to unlock the gates of its household waste recycling centres next week as the first phase of a plan to ease lockdown is implemented.

However, with new restrictions in place, there are fears the fly-tipping problem will continue into the summer months.

Council chiefs confirmed the rubbish that had been dumped in Commercial Road has now been cleared – and they warned that anyone who is caught engaging in fly-tipping could end up paying a hefty price.

A spokesperson told the Barrhead News: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our community and we would encourage residents to report any incidents via our website or by calling our free, confidential Ring and Report hotline on 0800 013 0076.”

There has also been condemnation of fly-tippers who dumped rubbish on top of a grave in an East Renfrewshire cemetery.

A local resident who was visiting Cathcart Cemetery found dozens of smashed bricks and rubble, as well as bin bags full of other debris, piled up at the council-run site.

Councillor David MacDonald, who represents Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood as an Independent, 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 a cemetery, 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.

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

“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.”