A FLY-TIPPING hotspot recently found to be laced with deadly asbestos could cause “devastation” to motorists in Glasgow, a councillor has warned. 

Piles of contaminated rubbish stacked underneath an M8 passage near Blochairn are causing concern among local politicians, who worry the poisonous trash could “go up in flames”.

Labour representative Elaine McDougall is calling Transport Scotland - who partially own the land - to clear it “as a matter of urgency”. 

Glasgow Times:

She said: “We don’t know what is in there but it is obviously contaminated waste. If anyone throws a light into the site, it will go up in flames and close the whole motorway.

“Additionally, a fire at that site could cause devastation for motorists who are driving up above. It could end up very dangerous and I am asking for partners involved to deal with it as a matter of urgency.

“I am disappointed this has not been dealt with sooner given that it is obviously a risk to public health.”

Cllr McDougall’s calls come more than two weeks after we exclusively revealed organised gangs were using the spot to toss industrial waste contaminated with toxic fibres. 

Glasgow Times:

And it isn’t the first time the area has been described as a fire hazard as we reported on the GMB’s concerns in April.

Chris Mitchell, convenor of branch 40, said: “This is a fire hazard that could become dangerous for vehicles travelling along the motorway.

“Fly-tipping in Glasgow is becoming increasingly worrying, especially under motorways.”

Since then, Police Scotland have stepped up patrols in the area in a bid to prevent further materials from being dumped on the grounds. 

Glasgow Times:

Inspector Stevie Kinvig said: “We have been made aware of the quantity of materials and rubbish having been dumped at under the M8 eastbound fly over at Provan Road, Glasgow.

“We are working with partner agencies to arrange have the materials removed. Police will be patrolling the vicinity.

“No one should have to tolerate the illegal dumping of waste in and around the area where they live.

“Where people see instances of fly-tipping, they should contact the relevant local authorities directly or the Police on 101.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) - who work to improve the country’s climate - confirmed they have not yet received any reports in relation to the poisonous materials. 

Glasgow Times:

Amey - the company responsible for maintaining the South West trunk road network - have, however, insisted that the matter was reported to the watchdog on August 10. 

A spokesman said: “Our most recent correspondence with SEPA took place on August 10 to make them aware of the presence of asbestos and our appointment of a specialist contractor to remove this waste. 

“Following this, we will be installing a new barrier at this location.

“SEPA have requested any evidence we have gathered regarding those responsible for the illegal dumping of this material.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “This site is not maintained by the council but we fully welcome the commitment from the site manager to remove the illegally dumped waste and ensure the site is subsequently secured.

“Those responsible for fly-tipping at this site have shown a complete disregard for the environment and for the safety of any individual living or working in the vicinity of this environmental crime.

“We are working with SEPA and other partners to identify the culprits so that enforcement action can be taken.”