The former Esso tank farm on the banks of the River Clyde at Bowling.
By Democrat reporter
Another £5.5 million increase in cost for local Council Taxpayers has been revealed by dismayed Community Party councillor Jim Bollan.
The public were told initially by both Lab/SNP administrations that there would be would be a £27 million project on the polluted tank farm at the old Esso site in Bowling.
And that it would be funded 50-50 by the Westminster and Scottish Governments, bringing the latest cost to over £50 million of which WDC will require pay £27 million.
West Dunbartonshire agreed to pay £5 million, but the project has hit snags in regard to finance and now there is speculation as to whether it has any future at all.
Councillor Bollan said: “This project should be halted immediately, as Council Services and Jobs are slashed.”
Public reaction was swift on social media yesterday. Margaret Mcmillan said: “They say to workers they have no money bloody liars.”
Tongue in cheek, Calum Young wrote: “ [It’s] not like WDC to struggle with managing costs Jim.”
David Scott, a GMB trade union organiser, wrote: “As a constituent in WDC & Labour being a minority administration the plug should be pulled on this project moving forward.” Michael Mulkern asked: “What is it going to achieve?”
And Jim Bollan replied: “It might never be completed Mick. It’s throwing money away.”
Christina Ross Marno said: “They need to get their priorities right for the benefit of all West Dunbartonshire residents.”
Nicola King added: “These council/government things ALWAYS go WAYYYYY over budget….it’s all just smokescreens for stealing and money laundering….Same with foreign aid! The things never get built to completion, and the aid money never reaches the people.”
Jim Bollan, right, told her: “Spot on Nicola, we warned them it was another ploy to raid the public purse, to increase private profits.”
Nicola King replied: “It breaks my heart, we are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area, and they just run it into the ground! It could be fantastic here. So much beauty, so much history, plenty of people with good hearts! Grrrrr, makes me mad!”
Mhairi Fraser said: “What are they even doing there anyway? Yes, I agree it should be stopped right now.”
