“This is a difficult time for all of us, but we owe a huge thank you to those in the waste industry who are working to keep as many services running as possible.

“While it’s not ideal that the Eastfield Waste and Recycling Centre is temporarily closed, the safety of these workers and the general public has to be the priority.

“South Lanarkshire Council has been experiencing substantial staffing shortages, which I understand to be around one third of the waste and recycling workforce, therefore this, and social distancing practicalities, will require serious ongoing consideration before our local recycling centres can re-open.

“Our council staff are continuing to do their best for us in difficult circumstances, so in the meantime, it’s important that we help them by pitching in to crack down on illegal fly tippers.”

Date published: 11th May 2020