AN ASBESTOS-ridden flytipping dump that was once located underneath a bridge along the M8 has officially been cleared. 

Transport Scotland - who own the land near Blochairn - moved specialist clean-up crews into the spot earlier this week.

An operation to install a permanent barrier around the underpass is now underway.

Glasgow Times:

A spokesperson for Amey, the company responsible for maintaining the South West trunk road network, said: “Good progress has been made to clear the hazardous waste and household rubbish, which had been deposited under the M8 Junction 13 bridge. 

“Once the site is fully cleared a permanent barrier is being erected and we will continue to monitor the site.

“The added vigilance of Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council and SEPA, who have supported our efforts throughout, will also deter further organised fly-tipping at this site.”

It is understood that workers who were drafted in to clear the spot required specialist PPE in order to take part in the operation.

Glasgow Times:

An investigation led by the Glasgow Times previously revealed organised gangs were using the location to dispose of materials that were contaminated with the deadly fibres.

A source who asked to remain anonymous said: “The site itself is easy to access without being seen.

“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.”

Glasgow Times:

READ MORE: Fly-tipping unit to blitz 'environmental crime' in Glasgow

Glasgow City Council has since launched a dedicated unit to crack down on illegal dumping across the city.

Enforcement officers will be used to work with the public to identify potential sites as “environmental crime scenes” and search for evidence to identify the dirty dumpers.

Areas of interest for flytippers will be taped off while the officers work to catch the culprits. 

Glasgow Times:

Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: “Local residents and businesses see what goes on in their community and that information can lead directly to enforcement action against fly-tippers. 

“Our enforcement officers will make themselves known and visible in the areas where fly-tippers operate so we can get to the bottom of who is committing these damaging, environmental crimes.

“With the cooperation of communities and neighbourhoods we can take on those who care only for themselves above the needs of everyone else in the city.”