Residents are being asked to lend a hand in clearing falling leaves blocking Glasgow drains  this autumn – but some have hit back asking where they are supposed to put them if they don’t have a brown bin. 

Glasgow City Council has warned leaf fall can build up “quickly at any time or place across the network.”

The local authority carries out ongoing work to clear the city’s 74,000 road gullies, targeting high risk locations.

The council said in a statement: “The potential risk of sudden blockages to the drainage system can be reduced with the assistance of residents clearing leaves in the vicinity of their property, which can allow surface water to clear more readily.

“Our leaf fall campaign encourages residents and community groups to help keep their neighbourhood foot ways and gullies/drains clear during the autumn and winter months when fallen leaves are likely to cause slippery surfaces and blocked gullies risking localised flooding.”

But some social media users are less than enthusiastic about helping out – and made their feelings clear on the council’s  Facebook page.

One man commented: “Once we’ve swept up those leaves, how do we dispose of them? Will the brown bins be emptied for free if they have leaves in them as not everyone has or can afford to pay the £50 brown bin charge.”

A woman said: “Not our job – that’s why you pay council tax – get on with it.”

Another resident said people should do their bit. She said: “Cue the moaners. Wait until the road floods though. Limited resources so do your bit.”

Another woman said: “Well I used to clean them up a bit with the neighbours and put them in our brown bin but obviously as I now pay for that then this won’t be happening so you will have to pay extra staff to clean them up.”

The council advised people to be careful if they do attempt to lift leaves.

The statement said: “Do not use your foot – we don’t want anyone getting stuck! If it’s not safe to clear the drain yourself or if it looks like it’s going to be a big job or is an immediate danger then please report the blocked gully by using MyGlasgowApp or by calling RALF on 0800 37 36 35.”