Planned closure of Western bin depot could leave Glasgow a "mess"

Cleansing staff are warning plans to shut Western Depot in Glasgow could make the city's waste and rat problem even worse.

They're going to be demonstrating outside the facility on Kelvinhaugh Road later demanding it's saved from the chopping block.

Chris Mitchell from GMB Scotland told Clyde 1: "This is situated in the heart of the West End and we know the area is densely populated with students with lots of tenement properties.

"There is a great work force here who are in a perfect location for cleaning Partick, Hillhead and Maryhill quickly.

"Closing it would leave them with a much longer commute to work and many of my members don't drive."

Refuse collectors have reportedly been told they will be moved out of the building from June as it becomes a road sweeping depot before shutting altogether.

Last week, we told you about plans to increase the charge for uplifting white goods from £5 to £25.

Chris added: "Cuts have consequences and I think this could have an effect on our ability to provide a statutory service."

A spokesman for the council said: “An on-going review of all our frontline depots is considering how to run these facilities as effectively as possible.

“We are seeking to target investment, improve staff conditions and extend the life of existing facilities where ever possible.

“This approach has already generated a £41m funding package for the refurbishment of our Easter Queenslie depot, where a new recycling centre will be built alongside staff facilities.

“Where necessary we are also consolidating our facilities to support the delivery of services across the city and ensure value for money for the public purse.

“We have been engaging with the trade unions on this issue and we are communicating directly with staff affected by any changes.”

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