M8: Clean-up crews tackle toxic Glasgow flytipping near Blochairn

Following a Glasgow Times investigation last month, we revealed that criminal gangs had been using a passage under the M8, near Blochairn to discard construction materials laced with asbestos.

The hazardous fibres can cause illness if it is disturbed.

A source who asked to remain anonymous previously told the Glasgow Times: “The site itself is easy to access without being seen.

READ MORE: Glasgow gangs use M8 flytipping hotspot to dump waste laced with deadly asbestos

“The gangs who are dumping this waste are doing it illegally and probably on behalf of someone else because it is hard and expensive to resource companies who are specially trained in handling asbestos.

“By doing this, they are not only putting the wider community at risk but they are putting themselves at risk too.”

Transport Scotland, who partially own the land, spent time sourcing specialist contractors to clear away the rubbish due to the hazardous nature. It is understood workers require specialist PPE in order to take part in the operation.

A permanent barrier will now be installed to the area to dissuade potential flytippers from visiting in the future.

Earlier this year, the GMB union raised concerns that the area could be a possible fire hazard.

A spokesperson for Amey, the company responsible for maintaining the south-west trunk road network, said: "Specialist operatives and equipment have begun the laborious process of identifying, separating and clearing of hazardous materials dumped at the M8 Junction 3 site.

"Once the area has been made safe all the remaining rubbish will be removed and the area cleaned before a new permanent barrier is erected. This is a crucial part of the operation, as we need to ensure this site remains clear, especially when we are tackling organised fly-tipping on a large scale.

“We will continue to work with our partners and the communities we serve to reduce the scourge of fly-tipping across our network."