Operation to remove nine old cars abandoned at bottom of reservoir

The illegally dumped vehicles have been submerged in the water at Gleniffer Braes Country Park for years.

2nd Mar 2022

An operation is under way to remove nine old cars abandoned at the bottom of a Paisley reservoir.

The illegally dumped vehicles have been left submerged in the water at Lower Glen Dam in Gleniffer Braes Country Park for a number of years.

Scottish Water said the removal operation has required “lengthy and meticulous planning”.

The firm is working with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), the Ayrshire Rivers Trust, and contractors George Leslie Ltd on the project.

The move comes after numerous calls from the local community for the cars to be removed.

Bosses have confirmed pathways around the reservoir will be closed off to members of the public while the cars are pulled from the water.

Once each vehicle has been safely removed the firm plans to raise the water back to its normal level.

Lower Glen Dam in Gleniffer Braes Country Park. Scottish Water

Project manager, Gerry O’Hara, said: “We’ve listened to community concerns about the vehicles being in the water and now is the time to act.

“This is such a delicate and sensitive operation and has been months in the planning to ensure there is as little impact on the environment as possible and that our teams are safe.

“Restrictions are in place for everyone’s safety and we would ask visitors to Gleniffer Braes Country Park to respect all signage around the reservoir while these works are carried out.”