Want to stop going on rubbish walks?

We all struggle to understand the mentality of fly-tippers, especially as we’re now more exposed to their disgusting behaviour, and the rubbish they dump, while out on our increased walks.

Sadly, according to research, this scourge on our community, that denies us the opportunity to enjoy our public spaces, is going to get a lot worse. That’s particularly bad news for East Kilbride because the total lack of strategy coming from South Lanarkshire Council bosses and our elected politicians to combat the problem means things are not going to get any better anytime soon.

There are limitations on what authorities can do during a pandemic but this period has really exposed the lack of effective litter planning in this area, leaving the culprits to run amok with their discarded sofas, nappies, garden rubbish, fast food packaging etc.

Let's not forget, we are paying seven directors of South Lanarkshire Council over £1m in annual salaries and benefits to keep our town in a good state.

When asked about the matter in a Freedom of Information request the Council advised that they did not have a fly tipping strategy. Yet every year they waste hundreds of thousands of pounds of tax payers’ money simply clearing up the waste dumped around East Kilbride.

Linda Fabiani MSP, when challenged about her record on the matter, could not provide a single letter, memo or note that she had sent to anyone at South Lanarkshire Council asking for action.

So, yet again, despite paying our Council Tax to have leaders sort the issues that matter most to us, we're left to take remedial action ourselves by forming litter picking groups etc.

If we want to be able to enjoy our public spaces in the future, we need to challenge council bosses and politicians to do more.

Here’s an email you can copy and paste to send to the Council, your councillor, our MSP and our MP:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Fly tipping is becoming an even greater problem in the East Kilbride area and I would like you to take action to ensure that plans are put in place to combat this blight on our town.

Please let me know what you are able to do.

Thank you

And here’s the email addresses to send your message to:

South Lanarkshire Council Chief Executive - pach.exec@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

South Lanarkshire Council Communities Director - Michael.McGlynn@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Linda Fabianni, MSP - Linda.Fabiani.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

Lisa Cameron, MP - lisa.cameron.mp@parliament.uk

Find your Councillor's email address here - https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200236/politicians/933/councillors/2, Please cc your email to info@ek4me.co.uk

East Kilbride deserves better!

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