A Former Rolls Royce Factory Becomes a Fly-Tipping Hazard
Residents in East Kilbride, Scotland, are growing increasingly frustrated with the state of a former Rolls Royce factory site that has turned into a major fly-tipping dump. Once an iconic location for aero-engine repair and maintenance, the site has been left abandoned and is now a source of concern for local communities.
The company moved its operations closer to Glasgow Airport in 2015, leaving part of the site at Law Place unused. While some areas have been redeveloped for housing, this particular section remains derelict, leading to a buildup of rubbish and waste.
The Impact on Local Residents
Michael McClorey, a resident of the area for about four years, described the situation as worsening over the past year and a half. He noted that the land is now covered in rubbish, including mountains of tyres and other debris. “I’m not expecting beautiful scenery in a city,” he said, “but instead I’m looking out at old tyres and piles of rubbish. It’s really having a very negative effect.”
McClorey also mentioned that the presence of the rubbish could affect property values. “I’m not trying to sell my house – but this would definitely have an impact on selling prospects. It looks awful.” He expressed hope that the site could be redeveloped into a new housing area, which he believes would improve the neighborhood.
Despite previous attempts to contact the council, no action has been taken. In 2022, he spoke with a councillor about the issue, but nothing was implemented. Last year, residents were told that a development application had been submitted, but no further updates have followed.
Concerns About Safety and Health
Another anonymous resident captured footage of a white pickup truck dropping off waste at the site. They expressed concerns about the impact on their garden, noting that pests and flies may have increased due to the waste. “There are fires that have been happening within the waste, likely releasing chemicals into the atmosphere,” they said.
A tall pile of tyres is particularly concerning, as it poses a fire risk and is located close to their property. “If this was the next thing to catch fire, this would cause major issues,” they added. The fire brigade has attended the scene multiple times, highlighting the severity of the problem.
The resident also mentioned contacting the council, who stated that the land is private and thus beyond their control. They then reached out to their local MP, who showed more interest in the matter, though no significant progress has been made yet.
Council Response
Kevin Carr, Head of Facilities, Waste and Grounds Services at South Lanarkshire Council, emphasized that fly-tipping is a serious issue caused by a small number of individuals who do not dispose of their waste properly. “It is a blight on our communities, and the council takes this criminal activity very seriously.”
Although the council cannot enforce removal of waste on private land, they stated that their Environmental Crime team will investigate any reports and inform the landowner where possible. However, they do not have the statutory power to require waste removal.
Calls for Action
Residents continue to urge the council and local authorities to take more decisive action. They believe that clearing the site of rubbish and initiating a redevelopment project would not only improve the appearance of the area but also enhance the quality of life for those living nearby.
As the situation remains unresolved, the community hopes that the authorities will prioritize addressing the issue before it worsens further.
