Anger over continuing '˜poo'llution at park!

A protest group has called on East Renfrewshire Council and Scottish Water to stop passing the buck and deal with the issues that matter.
Tracer dye being placed into the Capelrig Burn.Tracer dye being placed into the Capelrig Burn.
Tracer dye being placed into the Capelrig Burn.

Newton Mearns Residents Flood Prevention Group have battled with Scottish Water to upgrade or renew the sewer system, which overflows at times of heavy rainfall.

Despite claims to the contrary, the group now have evidence that Capelrig and Auldhouse Burns, which feed Rouken Glen Park, carry human waste, causing potential health hazards after checks were made using a tracer dye.

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On September 6, Scottish Water wrote to the group advising: “I am pleased to confirm that the burn no longer feeds the waterfall or any areas of the park. The local council disconnected this within the last two years fresh water now serves the park.”

East Renfrewshire Council has previously stated sewer flooding is the responsibility of Scottish Water and the Scottish Government.

Scottish Water told The Extra: “Rouken Glen Park and Capelrig Burn are East Renfrewshire Council’s responsibility.”

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson added: “During periods of extreme weather conditions, if Scottish Water’s drainage network experiences over capacity, there can be the potential for a small amount of waste water to be released into watercourses which run through the park.

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“It must be stressed that these occurrences are extremely rare. Scottish Water is aware and this is included in their SEPA network Licence for the Shieldhall Catchment.”

It appears therefore the back and forth between the two organisations is set to continue!