More resources are needed to help overcome an infestation of bedbugs at a South Side school, according to community representatives.

The creatures had been reported and cleared on multiple occasions at St Bride’s Primary School on Craigie Street, with council officers and teachers taking multiple measures to tackle outbreaks.

First reported in March last year, the school is one of only three in the city which has reported bed bugs on site in the past five years, with three of the five reported cases taking place at the Strathbungo building.

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Despite a number of actions – including the forthcoming installation of washing machines – councillors and community groups are calling for further support to be offered to those affected by the pests.

Bailie Soryia Siddique, councillor for Southside Central, said: “These revelations are deeply concerning.

“As a local councillor, I have continually been raising concerns about an infestation in the area, and the very real impacts that have on those who live and work in the area.

“It is quite frankly unacceptable that children and staff are being exposed to this infestation while at school.

“This response is complacent, and this administration must do better. We need co-ordinated action from the council and others, including the Scottish Government, to tackle this problem.

“This should be a number one priority – because it certainly is for the people who live and work there. This area is represented by Nicola Sturgeon in the Scottish Parliament – there is absolutely no excuse for this complacency.”

Glasgow City Council has worked extensively with those parents and teachers to ensure those requiring help to eradicate the bedbugs are directed to health and social care providers.

Officers put together an action plan outlining the possible effects bed bugs could have on those using the building.

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St Bride’s was given a moderate rating as a result, with ongoing monitoring to be carried out at the school.

According to the council, this rating means “efforts should be made to reduce the risk, but the costs of prevention should be carefully measured and limited,” adding: “Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined time period and further assessment may be necessary.”

The report also states “several areas of the school” were part of the bedbugs spread, with soft toys and cushions housed at St Bride’s to be washed on a regular basis to avoid contamination.

An action plan, written in conjunction with St Bride’s staff, outlines measures such as additional staff hours and regular inspections by pest control which could be put in place.

The installation of lockers and the removal of furniture from the school were also suggested as options.

SNP councillor for the area, Mhairi Hunter, said: “I have been kept updated about the situation in St Bride’s and understand that there have been no active sightings in the school since January and no additional staff have been affected.

“I have been assured measures have been put in place in the school to mitigate against the risk of further outbreaks and support for staff is available.

“These measures will remain in place until the problem is fully eradicated.

“St Bride’s is an outstanding local school and staff are working closely with families, in partnership with other agencies, to educate and address the issue, along with a wider block treatment programme in place in the local area.”

Alongside the active measures put in place by the council, those living in the area believe that greater support is needed for the area to tackle the existing poverty, as well as more support for those in the school.

This article originally appeared in The Evening Times