Full of dumped carpets, sofas and even beds – could this be Britain’s most fly-tipped street?
Once a thriving community, Tannahill Road in Painsley, Scotland, is now overwhelmed with waste, which has caused fury among residents and created a breeding ground for rats.
Although the deserted housing estate, located in the Ferguslie Park area, is due to be demolished next month, nearby residents are fed up of the mounting piles of waste.
Tommy Eggerty, 75, who lived on Tannahill Road for 19 years before relocating nearby, expressed his frustration with the council’s lack of action.
He said: ‘The council is taking nothing to do with it. It’s been going on for ages; they have done nothing. They need to get their finger out.
Full of dumped carpets, sofas and even beds – could this be Britain’s most fly-tipped street?
‘If it was happening where they stayed, they wouldn’t put up with it. It’s ridiculous because it’s going to be full of rats, that’s for certain.’
The former resident believes a number of individuals have been coming from ‘all over’ to dump their ‘all sorts’ on the street.
He suggested: ‘Just catch some of them. I think they should have a warden here, even during the day because they’re tipping during the day not just at night.’
He even revealed how a local bus was unable to drive its usual route last week as litter was ‘dumped in the middle of the road, and carpets were all over the place.’
The derelict estate on Tannahill Road is set to be demolished in July, following the approval of a £630,000 contract with demolition firm Caskie, which will see the destruction of 51 blocks of empty council homes over the course of a year.
However, one private homeowner remains, with the council in ongoing negotiations to acquire the property.
Tommy added: ‘It could turn out a nice place. I don’t know if they’re going to build on it, I don’t know what their aim is.’
The demolition will affect properties on Ferguslie Park Avenue, Drums Avenue, Tannahill Road, and Tannahill Terrace.
Once a thriving community, Tannahill Road in Paisley, Scotland, is now overwhelmed with waste, which has caused fury among residents and created a breeding ground for rats
Although the deserted housing estate, located in the Ferguslie Park area, is due to be demolished next month, nearby residents are fed up of the mounting piles of waste
Tommy Eggerty, 75, who lived on Tannahill Road for 19 years before relocating nearby, expressed his frustration with the council’s lack of action
This move has been met with relief from the community, including Terry McTernan, chair of Ferguslie Community Council.
He said: ‘We’re delighted that this has eventually gone through. As I’ve said before, if it was up to us, we would have it demolished tomorrow but we appreciate there are processes that need to be followed.’
‘I do need to compliment the council on their increased and regular communication with us over recent months, particularly in regards to fly-tipping.
‘The fly-tipping, it needs to be said though, is getting worse again. The buses couldn’t even get through recently because of the fly-tipping.
‘I understand there are efforts being made to try and reroute the bus route for obvious reasons anyway, but until that’s done the bus still needs to get through.’
The derelict housing estate is reported to have also been a magnet for anti-social behaviour, with the local authority recently confirming that there had been 16 fires in recent months.
Councillor Graeme Clark, Labour representative for Paisley Northeast and Ralston, acknowledged the severity of the situation at a recent board meeting, citing multiple serious fires and significant fly-tipping in the area.
Councillor John Shaw, SNP representative for Renfrew North and Braehead, echoed these sentiments, expressing his satisfaction with the forthcoming demolition.
Resident Tommy said: ‘If it was happening where they stayed, they wouldn’t put up with it. It’s ridiculous because it’s going to be full of rats, that’s for certain’
Resident Tommy revealed how a local bus was unable to drive its usual route last week as litter was ‘dumped in the middle of the road, and carpets were all over the place’
The derelict estate on Tannahill Road is set to be demolished in July, following the approval of a £630,000 contract with demolition firm Caskie
Renfrewshire Council has assured residents that measures are being taken to address the fly-tipping issue.
A spokesperson stated: ‘Officers have been in regular contact with local representatives and residents to listen to their concerns and keep them updated on the actions we are taking to address these issues.’
‘Council officers have implemented a number of measures, including regular visits to investigate and clear fly-tipping and debris.’
‘The access road to the site will soon be closed off to help stop illegal dumping and suitable surveillance measures will shortly be in place to help identify and fine those responsible.’
It comes as fed up locals of the seaside town branded the worst in Britain say they have lost the battle against badly behaved drinkers vomiting in the streets and getting into fights, as well as rising homelessness.
Skegness resident Rachel Barker has lived in seaside resort in Lincolnshire all her life, but says that most of her older friends have moved away because of the town’s boozy reputation.