Glasgow man's fury over almost 20-year-old dumping site

Andrew Marshall's garden backs onto Cowlairs Road in Springburn where couches and other household items are frequently dumped and set on fire.

But sadly, the issue has become more severe recently.

He said: "I have owned my flat here for 18 years now and this site has always been a problem, the whole time.

“But it has gradually got worse, certainly over the last couple of years. There is now more commercial dumping.

“Previously, there was a business operating from across the road, a motorbike training centre and that led to normal footfall.

“But because that is not there any longer, the road is essentially a dead end for most people.

“So, obviously, it has less visibility."

Local residents are worried about the fly-tipping, which they claim is an eyesore and a hazard. 

The 45-year-old added: “It’s right beside us, we share a fence with it. Things like sofas are constantly being set on fire and that is coming over and we can’t open a window because of the smoke.

“Aesthetically, it’s just appalling to look at.

“As a homeowner, if, for instance, I was to try and sell my property, they would look over my fence and all they see is this dumping ground.

“These are all concerns for us."

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The North Glasgow resident explained that he has been fighting for years to trigger change and has a few suggestions on how the situation could be fixed.

He said: “I think people are travelling here. They are aware of a blind spot, effectively, and are clearly doing this because they don’t have a licence to get rid of waste properly.

“Generally, it happens overnight as well, which makes it harder to catch someone in the act.

“It’s certainly not unique to this area but I wouldn’t comment on what it’s like in other parts of the city.

“In this area, there are a couple of dumping grounds, there is another on Carlisle Street, which is also notorious for dumping.

“They could put up cameras, they could fence off the area, that would definitely stop the bulk items from being dumped."

Network Rail has a depot at the top of Cowlairs Road but the Glasgow Times understands it does not own the section of the road before the barrier, where the waste is dumped.

Scotland's Land Registry does not show the owner of the road.

According to Mr Marshall, he has flagged the issue with Glasgow City Council several times, but there has been no action taken.

He said: "I feel let down, to be honest. I have worked for a number of years to get our local representatives to come out and see what we have to live with.

“They reassured me that it was a priority and it would be addressed but it has come to nothing."

A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “Fly-tipping is an environmental crime and those responsible are liable to be fined. 

"This sort of illegal activity damages the environment, undermines communities and affects the quality of life of residents who see the impact of such incidents in their daily life.”