Glasgow City Council say brown water dumped in Cadder is 'harmless'

The duo were filmed by householders as they released gallons of the filthy brown fluid onto a grass verge in Vaila Place in Cadder.  

Locals are demanding an explanation from council bosses as to why the area – which is used as a play area by children – was chosen.  

Karen Carberry, 45, has lived in the street for four years and told the Glasgow Times what had gone on was a 'disgrace'.  

Karen Carberry at Vaila Place (Image: Newsquest)

She added: “It’s unacceptable and I’d like to know how those in charge at the City Chambers would feel if vile water was poured all over the area outside their homes. The water is filthy, completely brown. Goodness knows what could be floating in it.  

“I can’t believe that anyone would think it’s okay to just dump it outside people's houses. The place was left in an absolute mess as the drain there is already blocked and thick with muck - we’ve been complaining about it for years.   

“To then dump the contents of a full tanker was just crazy. The water wasn’t soaked up by the grass, it was spilling onto the pavement and street. Surely the council should have a more efficient and eco-friendly way of disposing of this type of thing instead of just emptying it all over a residential area.  

“It’s just not on, our street was effectively used as a dumping ground. Young children play there and people use the area as a walkway to the canal. I’m appalled by the whole thing. I hope this doesn’t happen again; lessons need to be learned.”  

Another resident Cheryl Gower told the Glasgow Times the mess ended up coming into her garden after the incident on Wednesday afternoon.  

The 33-year-old said she was stunned by what had gone on.  

She added: “I really couldn’t believe what I was seeing. One worker released what looked like thick brown liquid and then another appeared with a brush to try and tidy up. The drain outside doesn't work, so it will never just wash away. Instead, it has been left to pool on the grass - it is Saturday now and there is no sign of it filtering away.  

“It ended up pouring into my garden and the workers just jumped in the truck and took off. I just think it’s appalling to leave that kind of mess behind, I just don’t understand the thinking behind it."  

Glasgow City Council worker dumping dirty water in Vaila Place (Image: Supplied)

Glasgow City Council insists the fluid is harmless, saying it was rainwater that had been pumped from a flooded street nearby and safely released. Their spokesperson claimed the method of disposal posed no risk to the public. 

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Community activist Alex O’Kane, who shared the video on his Facebook page No1seems2care, believes it shows a lack of respect for the Cadder community.  

He added: “Would the staff or the people who sanctioned this do it outside their own homes? It shows complete contempt.  

 “The mess is right next to homes and has been flowing into people's gardens, up their steps, along public paths and has left a grass area impassable.  

 "The people of Cadder deserve better than to be treated like this.”  

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A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “Heavy rain over the festive period has caused flooding in a lot of areas of the city and this was harmless rainwater from a neighbouring street.  

“So as not to overwhelm any linked drains which could have made the flooding worse, it was safely released onto to grass at the closest open space with no risk to the public.”