Glasgow gangs use M8 flytipping hotspot to dump waste laced with deadly asbestos

Alarming images show mountains of rubbish piled underneath a passage below the M8 near Blochairn.

Among the items to be tossed into the site are bathtubs, mattresses, fridges, cookers, furniture and old carpets.

Now, it has emerged resourced gangs have been using the spot to discard construction materials that are infected with the toxic fibers. 

A source said: “The site itself is easy to access without being seen.

“The gangs who are dumping this waste are doing it illegally and probably on behalf of someone else because it is hard and expensive to resource companies who are specially trained in handling asbestos. 

“By doing this, they are not only putting the wider community at risk but they are putting themselves at risk too.”

Transport Scotland, who partially own the area, are currently attempting to source specialist contractors who will rid the site of the poisonous debris. 

A spokesperson for Amey - the company responsible for maintaining the South West trunk road network - said: “We share local concerns about illegal fly-tipping and dumping of materials at this site, which in some cases is in a potentially hazardous manner. 

“For this reason, we are in the process of identifying and engaging specialist contractors to remove these materials, which need to be separated, removed and transported from this site.”

The Scottish Government agency had previously erected a new gate with a secure padlock to prevent further materials from being dumped at the spot.

The Glasgow Times understands that the gate was, however, ripped from its hinges.

The spokesman added: “We have also been in contact with Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland and other key stakeholders regarding measures to secure these locations and prevent further dumping, which appears to be the work of highly-organised and resourced gangs. 

“Discussions are taking place to install permanent barriers at these locations, and this work will be undertaken as quickly and safely as possible. 

“We are as anxious as residents and road users to resolve this problem despite the extremely challenging conditions and will provide further updates as this work progresses.”

In April, we exclusively reported on the GMB’s concerns over the grounds catching fire. 

The union described the flytipping hotspot as a “fire hazard” that could become dangerous for vehicles travelling along the motorway.

Chris Mitchell, convenor of branch 40, is now warning locals to avoid the area.

He said: “Fly-tipping hot spots are now becoming a common problem right across Glasgow and now that the city council have introduced the bulk charges it will only get worse. 

“We have been told that this particular site is now full of asbestos so please do not go anywhere near it as it a serious health and safety matter.” 

Cleansing bosses at Glasgow City Council have said the responsibility to clear the site lies within the hands of Amey. 

A spokesman said: “As acknowledged by Amey, it is their responsibility to remove the waste from their site and make it secure to prevent further fly-tipping.

“As is also indicated by their statement, it is not ordinary, individual members of the public who are fly-tipping their waste at this location.

“It is also clear that those dumping waste at a site next to two motorways have access to vehicles that could easily be used to convey their rubbish to one of the four public waste centres in the city.

"Despite what the GMB says, no-one is forced to fly-tip their waste and it is surprising that they appear to condone the criminality in this case.

“Everyone has a responsibility to dispose of their waste appropriately and the law is clear that fly-tipping is an environmental crime.

“As agreed by all political parties at the council, the express purpose of the new Resources and Recycling Strategy is to reduce the waste produced by the city and increase the re-use and recycling of unwanted items.”

The council also addressed concerns around the introduction of a £35 bulk uplift charge. 

The spokesman added: “The introduction of bulk charging aims to encourage people to seek alternative means of disposal for large, unwanted items that extend their life cycle and there is evidence that people are taking this message on board.

“Extending the life of unwanted items helps to reduce their carbon impact and will play a part in Glasgow’s effort to tackle the climate emergency.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency confirmed it has not yet received any reports of asbestos within the area.