MSP Tom McCabe uses Scottish Parliament to complain about smells from Hamilton sewerage works

Jan 27 2011 Hamilton Advertiser

PEOPLE in Hamilton are kicking up a stink over smells from a Hamilton sewerage works.

Hamilton South MSP Tom McCabe raised the issue concerning Hamilton waste water treatment works, Bothwell Road, during questions on rural affairs and the environment at the Scottish Parliament last Thursday.

Now he is to meet with Scottish Water, who operate the plant, to discuss the complaints.

The Hamilton works serve a residential and business population of more than 65,500.

Following processing, liquid from effluent is piped into the Clyde while sludge is taken in tankers from the site and either used as fertiliser or turned into pellets and burned at Longannet Power Station, Fife.

Mr McCabe said he had, for a number of years, received complaints from constituents concerned about the works, situated alongside the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Bothwell Road centre.

He added: “I have previously corresponded with Scottish Water regarding this issue, and I am now pleased that, after raising the problem with Scottish Ministers directly, I will be having a meeting with officials from Scottish Water.

“Whilst I appreciate that this is an intermittent problem, which depends on weather conditions, it is nevertheless a problem that generates a fair degree of concern among residents – so I am grateful for the chance to speak with Scottish Water to see what they can do to eliminate the odours.”

A Scottish Water spokesman said on Monday that they had not received any complaints about odours from the facility.

He added: “We are continuing to work with Tom McCabe to investigate any concerns he has received from his constituents.

“It is important that any customers with concerns about odours contact the Scottish Water helpline on 0845 601 8855 so we can log the date and time of any complaints and investigate them accordingly.

“Our current investment at the plant is for upgrades which will ensure the works continue to meet environmental regulations set down by Scottish Environmental protection Agency and protect the water quality in the River Clyde.”

Bothwell Bridge Animal Welfare centre manager Mike Prewett, who has worked there for almost 40 years, said: “I believe the people who run the treatment works have gone to huge expense over the last three or four years in terms of upgrading it.

“We occasionally get complaints from visitors but I can’t smell it unless it’s a calm day and the wind is blowing in the wrong direction.

“I sometimes think people want services but they are not prepared to take what comes with them.”

And he joked: “I have not received one written complaint from any of the dogs here.”