Plague of flies: Hundreds of Shawhead residents complain of pest swarm

Locals in Shawhead say their lives are being made a misery by the infestation of insects which started more than a week ago.

Dozens of homes at the Shawhead fly over are being swarmed with the pests, which are thought to be coming from nearby GBS Recycling Limited.

Inspectors from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) have visited the recycling site three times over the last week, and told bosses they have to take action.

The firm has now been issued with a warning letter and told to control their waste to minimise the number of flies on site.

Locals say they are being forced out of their homes and don't dare to open windows for fear of more flies getting in.

Nearby shops and supermarkets are understood to have sold out of fly spray as dozens of people rush to pick up the pest killer. 

Sarah Conroy, 23, lives in the estate with her 7-month-old son Logan and said she is killing dozens of flies every day. 

She was forced to take her son to a relatives home to eat as the swarm in her house was so bad, and says when he is sleeping the insects are crawling on him.

Sarah said: "It's absolutely disgusting. We're all going off our head with them.

"I'm killing 50 - 60 in my ktchen alone every day. They're in my baby's steriliser, they're in my cupboards, they are absolutely everywhere.

"Yesterday was really bad. They were crawling on my dishes, all over my surfaces. 

"All of the local shops have sold out of fly spray. Even Asda and Tesco, we can't even get it out of there now as everyone is having the same problem." 

Emma Dolan, 24, is a stay-at home mum and says her daughter Aria can't get to sleep for the insects.

She has had to cover her bed with netting to keep the flies away. 

She said: "My wee girl who is 2 in January, can't get a decent sleep for them.

"Even at night time, they're buzzing all night long.

"It's doing my bloody box in.

"Everyone is the same, absolutely shocking. I just really really hope that something gets done about it soon.

"Sick of feeling like my skin is constantly crawling." 

On social media, a number of residents have voiced their concerns with many taking extra steps to fumigate their own homes in a bid to rid them of the flie

One resident said: "I'm sitting here with fly strips all over the house and so is half the scheme. It's gross."

Another said: " I killed 21 flys (sic) yesterday with a flip flop.

"Went through 2 cans of fly spray and it didn't do anything. They're driving me and my mum crazy."

SEPA said: "SEPA is aware of an issue with flies in the Shawhead area of Coatbridge and a number of complaints have been received from members of the public.

"SEPA officers have inspected the area and identified the local recycling centre as the source of the flies.  We have requested that the operator take immediate action to remove waste on site and carry out adequate pest control to deter flies from the site. 

"SEPA has also investigated allegations of the presence of seagulls at a neighbouring site, however this is unsubstantiated. 

"SEPA will continue to engage with the operator of the local recycling centre and take enforcement action where necessary to ensure work is carried out as soon as possible.

"Members of the public are encouraged to contact SEPA’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60 to ensure local officers are kept up to date on the extent of the issue.”

The environmental watchdog is also considering enforcement options should the firm fail to address the issue.

Any residents affected have been asked to report the problem on a daily basis to SEPA.

The Evening Times has contacted GBS Recycling for a response.

Have you been affected? Let us know on 0141 302 7072 or email hannah.rodger@eveningtimes.co.uk