Imagine walking to school every morning and being greeted by piles of rotting garbage, broken glass, and even used drug paraphernalia.
That’s the reality for students at Riverbank Primary School in Glasgow, who are now taking a stand against the illegal dumping that has turned the land next to their school into a hazardous wasteland.
For years, an empty plot beside the school has been used as an illegal dumping ground, leaving parents fearful for their children’s safety.
Mattresses, gas canisters, soiled clothing, bottles of urine—you name it, it’s been dumped there.
The situation has gotten so bad that the kids themselves decided they couldn’t take it anymore.
Young Activists Take Action
Leading the charge is 11-year-old Fatima Alashinloye, who was shocked by the mess she and her friends walk past every day.
Determined to make a change, she started a school project and a petition to demand the site be cleaned up. Her classmates quickly rallied behind her, sharing their own disturbing experiences.
“My friends who live near the school see rats, garbage, and disgusting bottles of urine every morning,” Fatima explained.
Frustrated and concerned, she took photos of the area and presented them to her class. Together, they decided to take action.
Their petition calls for an immediate cleanup and measures to prevent future dumping.
“It’s not just an ugly sight—it’s a serious health hazard,” the students wrote.
“How can we focus on learning when our school is surrounded by this mess?”
Parents Fear for Their Children’s Safety
The kids aren’t the only ones worried. Furious parents have also spoken out, fearing for their children’s well-being.
Leanne Smith, a local grandmother, recalled a horrifying discovery made by her granddaughter—a dead cat among the trash.
“Kids just want to run and play,” she said, “but they can’t when they’re surrounded by filth.”
Some residents have even suffered property damage because of the infestation.
Ms. Smith’s mother-in-law had her water tank burst after rats—thriving on the garbage—chewed through her pipes.
“It’s an absolute mess, and it’s dangerous,” she added. “You don’t know what else is in there.”
Another concerned parent, Sumbal Fahad, pointed out the countless glass bottles scattered around.
“It’s not safe for kids,” she said. “They’re naturally curious and want to explore, but this is no place for them to play.”
Who’s Responsible for the Cleanup?
The land in question is owned by City Legacy, a private company that has faced mounting pressure to step in and address the crisis.
The students’ petition calls for the company to implement stricter anti-dumping measures, clean up the site, and find a sustainable way to prevent future waste buildup.
City Legacy responded by saying they are working with Glasgow City Council and other stakeholders to resolve the issue.
They also mentioned plans for new housing developments on the site, with SNP MSP John Mason stating that these homes would provide a long-term solution to the problem.
However, since the land is privately owned, the responsibility to maintain it falls on City Legacy, unless the council determines it has become a public health hazard.
A Community Tired of Broken Promises
Long-time residents like William Johnston, 77, have seen the area’s decline firsthand.
“When the Commonwealth Games were here, the streets were spotless—you could fry an egg on the pavement,” he recalled. “Now, they don’t care.”
Johnston also pointed out that residents were promised new shops and facilities as part of the area’s redevelopment.
“We’ve got nothing,” he said. “No post office, no butchers, nothing.”
Locals have repeatedly reported illegal dumpers, but by the time authorities respond, the culprits are long gone.
Sarah Hall, whose daughter Millie is in primary four, said the problem worsens when there are football games in the area.
“After matches, you can bet there will be piles of glass bottles dumped there,” she said.
A Call for Immediate Action
Glasgow City Council has acknowledged the severity of the situation and stated they are working with the developers and schools to better maintain the site.
“We are hopeful the waste will be cleared very soon,” a spokesperson said.
In the meantime, the students of Riverbank Primary aren’t backing down.
They refuse to accept that their playground should be surrounded by filth, and their determination is inspiring the entire community to push for change.
“They need to clean it up,” said eight-year-old Ben Tetmithalis.
“It’s the worst thing I’ve seen, and I think it’s dangerous.”
For now, the battle continues. But thanks to the courage and activism of young voices like Fatima’s, the city might finally be forced to listen.