GLASGOW City Council has received a public backlash after introducing new litter-picking hubs which encourage people to pick litter themselves. 

The council posted on their social media channels that they had installed 56 new litter-picking stations across the city for members of the public to use if they wish.

The post read: "Sixty-two community litter-picking hubs are now in place across Glasgow in locations including parks, schools and even Costa Coffee.

"Equipment can be borrowed for free by anyone who is keen to do a litter pick in their area."

But the idea has received a backlash and even abuse from locals, who feel that they are now being asked to do what they pay council tax for. 

One person commented: "People shouldn't litter in the first instance but really beginning to wonder where our council tax is going."

Another said: "Eh we pay council tax and have enough to do keeping our homes and gardens tidy. And running to the tip with excess waste."

One added: "Pay council tax and then clean up for free. Aye very good. Try putting bins in the streets and parks in the first place."

While another asked: "Isn't that why we pay our high council tax?"

Meanwhile, some residents highlighted the issue of people dropping litter in the city and the hubs being a requirement. 

One person commented: "Shame that people blame the council for litter when it's people who discard it, yes the council has people out picking it up but the problem is so bad.

"As quick as it's been cleaned up, it's messed up again.

Why do people think it's OK to drop their litter is the main issue."

Another added: "Maybe people should take more care and put their rubbish in the bins rather than just toss it."

GCC later issued an update to the original post to address that they were receiving more abusive comments as well.

They wrote: "We know litter is a hot topic, but there is absolutely no place for abuse on our channels.

"If you are found breaking our house rules, you will have your comments removed and will be banned from posting on our page.

"We absolutely encourage healthy debate, but swearing, calling names and being abusive about/to staff will not be tolerated."

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson told the Glasgow Times: "We have house rules for our social media channels that we introduced a few years ago to tackle abusive language that can sometimes appear on our channels.

"We are all for encouraging healthy debate but sometimes we need to remind people that these are public forums and it will not be tolerated – as was the case with the post yesterday.

"We understand that littering can be very topical but the language of some of the posts were unacceptable."

The litter-picking hubs are mostly located indoors at community centres across the city and have been funded by Glasgow City Council, Keep Scotland Beautiful and McDonald's.

Currently, two outdoor stations are being piloted in Knightwood and Possilpark, and people can request access to them by contacting local community groups.

The community groups involved can be found here. 

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, city convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "The litter picking hubs were really well received when introduced and the network is now being expanded due to popular demand from communities.

"There are hundreds of Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteers and community groups in the city who take great pride in their local areas and carry out regular litter picks which help foster community spirit.

"The hubs empower enthusiastic individuals and groups who are active in their local area to help us keep their neighbourhoods looking their best."