Residents are up in arms as a former Rolls Royce factory has turned into a hotspot for fly-tipping, with some offenders even being caught on camera.
The prestigious company vacated the premises in East Kilbride, Scotland, in 2015, relocating closer to Glasgow Airport.
A part of the site has been transformed into housing, but a section at remains neglected and unused despite a nearby mega-project being announced last year, costing a staggering £140m.
Community members are now calling for action, complaining that the area has become an unsightly dumping ground, littered with heaps of illegally dumped tyres and other waste.
Resident Michael McClorey expressed his frustration: “I’ve been here for about four years, and the land has always been derelict with nothing on it.”
He observed that the situation has deteriorated significantly over the last eighteen months.
McClorey lamented the current state of the site: “Looking at it now, there’s rubbish all over the land.”
He conveyed his disappointment, saying, “I’m not expecting beautiful scenery in a city – but instead I’m looking out at old tyres and piles of rubbish. It’s really having a very negative effect.”
The constant view of the mess is distressing for locals: “We look out at it all the time – that’s all we can see. It’s not nice to be looking out on.”
McClorey also highlighted the potential impact on property values: “I’m not trying to sell my house – but this would definitely have an impact on selling prospects. It looks awful.””.
He revealed that there had been discussions about redeveloping the site into new housing, which he fully supports, yet no progress has been made.
McClorey concluded with his experience of reaching out for help: “People have contacted the council previously – I was in contact with a councillor in 2022 to talk about what’s happening with the land.
“Nothing was ever put in place.
“Last year, we were told that an application had been put in to develop the land into a new-build development, but we’ve not heard anything since then.
“I would like to see the land cleared of rubbish – that’s the priority.
“I would like to see new houses there, to bring more people into the area and make it a bit nicer to look out.
“I really hope the council have a look at doing something about it.”
The location previously served as a significant aero-engine repair and maintenance facility before shutting down ten years ago, with local authorities confirming the site remains in private hands.
A second resident, who wished to stay unnamed, managed to capture video evidence of a white pickup truck illegally dumping waste at the location.
They explained: “It’s an eyesore mostly, however I wouldn’t be surprised if it has added to the number of pests and flies that make their way in to our garden.
“In addition, there are fires that have been happening within the waste, likely releasing chemicals into the atmosphere.
“There is a tall pile of tyres – if this was the next thing to catch fire this would cause major issues and is only metres away from our boundary fence.
“The fire brigade have also had to attend the scene several times.
“We have contacted the council, who stated it was private land so they couldn’t help.
“We then contacted our local MP who was more responsive in helping but so far haven’t achieved much. They are currently investigating who owns the land. “I understand that several other residents of the estate have done the same thing. “”.
Kevin Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services at South Lanarkshire Council, commented: “Fly tipping is the result of unacceptable behaviour and illegal action by a small number of people who do not dispose of their waste in a fit and proper manner.
“It is a blight on our communities, and the council takes this criminal activity very seriously.
“Although the council is not responsible for fly-tipping on private land, our Environmental Crime team will still investigate any reports made to us and, where possible, inform the landowner. However, local authorities don’t have statutory powers to require the waste is removed.”