Gavin Newlands MP Comments Council Leader’s Review Comments

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has challenged Renfrewshire Council Leader, Councillor Mark MacMillan, to consult widely with the public on any review that is carried out on the reduced services now offered at the waste and recycling centres.

Attached pictures of fly-tipping and queues outside Underwood Road following decision to close Waste and Recycling Centres.

During a Facebook Live interview with Paisley.org.uk, Councillor MacMillan stated that Renfrewshire Council will review the recent decision to slash services at the waste and recycling sites in Renfrew, Linwood, Johnstone and Erskine.

During the interview Councillor MacMillan was keen to find out what the impact has been on communities following his decision to downgrade the service.

Gavin Newlands MP has therefore written to Councillor MacMillan to demand that he consults widely with the local community. In doing so, Mr Newlands has submitted a number of pictures which highlight the rise of fly-tipping following the Councils cuts to the amenity and refuge centres.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:

“In pledging to review the decision, it appears that Councillor MacMillan has finally acknowledged the impact on households and communities across Renfrewshire following the reduction in services offered at the waste and recycling centres.

“This review cannot be an internal Council review and Councillor MacMillan has to consult the local public on this matter.

“It’s clear that the local community are deeply angry over the decision to partly close the waste and recycling sites in Renfrew, Linwood, Johnstone and Erskine. This has led to an increase in fly-tipping across Renfrewshire and in order to help Councillor MacMillan understand the impact that this is causing, I have sent him a number of pictures which have been sent to me by local constituents and which highlight the impact that’s being felt by our communities.

“I am pleased that Councillor MacMillan has noted that this decision to reduce services available was perhaps a mistake. It’s clear that this potential change of heart is due to the pressure put on him by the communities themselves and the SNP.

“Councillor MacMillan should now hold up his hands, admit his mistake and reverse his deeply unpopular decision and restore services at the local waste and recycling sites.”